John Rawlings on the fight fans want to see (BBC Radio 5 Live)

Holyfield's US promoter Don King is in holding talks in London on Sunday with Lewis' backer Panos Eliades and manager Frank Maloney and it is hoped the fight could take place in March or April next year.

Don King: Ready to talk

And as he flew into Paris for two world title fights on Saturday, King said: "We want Lewis and we are ready to knock him out.

"There can be no excuses like 'Don King doesn't want the fight'. Evander is ready, willing and available.

"If they offer $20m for Holyfield, we'll accept. And I'll do the promotion. It could be anywhere in the world. I'll go where the wild goose goes.

"Show me the money."

Holyfield holds the WBA and IBF versions of the title, while Lewis recently retained his WBC belt with a points victory over Zeljko Mavrovic of Croatia.

Holyfield: Wants lion's share of the purse

Attempts were first made last year to set up the fight, but fell through after a disagreement over the size of the profits Holyfield would receive from television coverage.

Lewis is believed to be willing to accept $8m to $10m to meet Holyfield, whose purse demands are likely to be in the region of $20m.

The heavyweight title has not been unified since Riddick Bowe was stripped of the WBC title in 1992 for refusing to fight Lewis.

"Everybody is talking, that's the main thing," said Maloney, who will also be discussing a promotional deal with King for this side of the Atlantic.

"Don does not see the deal being in conflict with my management of Lennox, or any of my fighters. He believes I've done a good job with Lewis. Maybe our relationship will bring a unification fight with Holyfield that much nearer."