Anthony Joshua's long-awaited fight with Russian Wladimir Klitschko looks set to be confirmed this week with finer details in the match contract being ironed out, according to various reports.

Watford's Joshua is awaiting his next fight after retaining his IBF heavyweight title against Dominic Breazeale in June, and it appears the far greater test of Klitschko, who has amassed a 20-year career in boxing, will be held in December.

A likely venue appears to be the Manchester Arena as London's O2 is heavily booked throughout the month.

Klitschko was beaten by Tyson Fury in November 2015 although the Brit has since rescinded his WBO and WBA heavyweight belts amid a raft of controversy over issues with drugs.

Joshua is unbeaten since turning professional in 2013, with 17 straight wins by KO, while Klitschko has won 64 of his 67 fights dating back to 1996.