Top Rank chief Bob Arum has indicated that a mega fight between Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan is a strong possibility for 2016.

After missing out on facing Floyd Mayweather Jr on September 12, Khan is looking to tie down a significant bout for the end of the year, although Pacquiao has been ruled out of action until next spring while he recovers from shoulder surgery.

However, with Pacquiao also seeking a high-profile contest on his return, Arum has revealed that the eight-weight world champion would be keen on facing the 2004 Olympic silver medallist next year.

Arum told The Telegraph: "Amir Khan has been begging Mayweather for a fight and now he can get a major fight. I'm not a hard guy to deal with. I'm not going to mess them around.

"This kid keeps shooting his mouth off about Manny Pacquiao. I can arrange for Khan to fight Pacquiao. One thing's for sure, Pacquiao is not ducking Khan. Pacquiao will fight him. I don't know if Khan will fight Pacquiao, but it's available."

Khan has previously sparred with Pacquiao under the guidance of former coach Freddie Roach.