Amir Khan is eyeing a sensational return to boxing after confirming he is in talks to fight the legendary Manny Pacquiao next year.

Bolton-born Khan, 36, was last seen in the ring when suffering a sixth-round stoppage to domestic rival Kell Brook in February 2022 — announcing his retirement three months later.

He was given a two-year ban from all sports for failing a drugs test after that fight, though the backdated suspension will expire in April 2024.

And the former unified light-welterweight world champion admits his gloves could be dusted off for a tussle with former sparring partner Pacquiao.

Khan told the Daily Mail: "You've been hearing rumours Manny Pacquiao is in town. We are in talks. 

"We've spoken a few times and that fight could happen. There's a lot of interest in that fight between Manny Pacquiao and myself.

"Manny is in town so this is where me and him will have a sit down. If [the fight] happens here or somewhere else, it would be great.

"If I fight Manny,  I think it will be a brilliant fight. I've always looked up to him and we know each other quite well."

Filipino superstar Pacquiao has won 12 major titles in eight different weight divisions during a glittering career and is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Now 44, he has been inactive for over three years but Khan believes there has never been a better time for the pair to trade leather.

He added: "Time-wise, it's good for us both. It's one fight that would lift me up again. I'd be like, 'Oh yeah, I want to fight again'.

"He's a legend. The last fight with Brook wasn't the same. It wasn't big and there wasn't enough money.

"I was just chilling. I didn't even want to be there. That fight with Manny Pacquiao will bring me back."