Khan is the obvious world title fight out there for Paul," said McCloskey's trainer John Breen. "They both turned pro at around the same time and I've always believed that Paul has the beating of Khan."

He added: "When he wins the European title I think he'll finally get an opportunity to prove that." Khan makes his first title defence against unbeaten Ukrainian Dmitriy Salita in Newcastle on December 5.

McCloskey meets Souleymane M'baye in Magherafelt on November 6.

The 30-year-old southpaw from Dungiven is expecting a tough showdown with the Frenchman. He said: "There's no doubt he's a world-class operator, you don't win world titles without being world class. He's only been beaten three times in 42 fights so you have to respect a record like that.

"It's a huge opportunity for me and winning the European title would set me up nicely for a shot at a world title.

"I'm just focusing on M'baye and becoming European Champion first. Once I win that then everything else will fall into place."