Ricky Hatton's dream of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr could become a reality after it was claimed the American is interested in coming out of retirement to face him.

However, Hatton, who is now trained by Mayweather's father, Floyd Sr, is more interested in taking on the Filipino superstar, Manny Pacquiao.

The Mancunian's lawyer, Gareth Williams, said that Pacquiao is the fight Hatton craves most, but also claimed that Mayweather, who stopped Hatton in 10 rounds a year ago, has approached them about a second showdown.

Williams is working with the aim of having Hatton's next opponent pencilled in before the end of the month.

"We're hoping that something can be agreed before the end of the year," said Williams. "What we want to agree in principle is the percentage split of any fight money, be it with Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. The overriding factor will be American TV money. There's never been a big pay-per-view event outside of America. I would stress that Ricky brings as much to the table as either of those two."

Hatton, the 30-year-old two-weight world champion, has continually spoken of his desire for a rematch with Mayweather, who retired after the victory last December. That looked highly unlikely because of the nature of his comprehensive 10th-round loss in Las Vegas, but the Hatton camp claim the Pretty Boy' is, in fact, interested.

"Every light-welterweight in the world wants to fight Hatton," said Williams. "We've had approaches from everybody. We've also had approaches from people at 130lb, Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz both want to fight him. He is a massive draw and can fight where he wants.

"We've also had approaches from Mayweather to have a rematch with him. He wants to fight Ricky, but the fight we want to make, our preference, is Manny Pacquiao, because we think that is a great fight. Ricky has made no secret of the fact he wants to take on the best and Pacquiao is regarded as the best.

"We're more than happy to make that fight, but it has got to be on acceptable terms."

Pacquiao, the multi-weight world champion, inherited Mayweather's status as the world's leading fighter when the outspoken American announced he was leaving the sport last year.

Hatton travelled to America earlier this month to watch Pacquiao beat Oscar De La Hoya and had been keen to face the winner of that blockbuster showdown.

Pacquiao comprehensively dismantled the legendary De La Hoya which appeared to pave the way for a meeting with Hatton. When it was claimed Mayweather was considering a comeback, though, and may have jumped ahead of the Briton in the queue, the situation became complicated.

Hatton's father, Ray, confirmed they had been "sounded out" by a third party on behalf of Mayweather.

"It hasn't come from us, because we just took it as what it was, a third party sounding us out," he said. "Really, we're looking at Manny Pacquiao. He is now regarded as pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world, and that's a fight Ricky would like."

Hatton's preference for Pacquiao is likely, in part, of his reluctance to fight again at the 147lb welterweight limit, where he has struggled, rather than his natural light-welterweight limit of 140lb.

Williams said: "We've not talked about weight. Ricky gave away all the advantages last time to challenge Mayweather. He makes no secret of the fact he is a 140lb fighter, so for any future negotiations . . . I think we're in a position now where we don't have to give away all the bargaining positions."