Matt Macklin could defend his European middleweight title against Darren Barker early this year.

The fight has been put out to purse bids by the European Boxing Union.

He has not fought since, while Mackin picked up the vacant title at the LG Arena, before making a successful defence in Liverpool just before Christmas.

Having secured the fight before through purse bids, promoter Frank Warren could be tempted to make a substantial bid again.

But Macklin may ditch the European belt if Warren can deliver him a world title opportunity.