Amir Khan is hoping to fight Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi later this year, whether he beats Floyd Mayweather or not next month.

Khan has turned    his attention to a clash with the Filipino great after becoming frustrated in his efforts for a Vegas fight with Mayweather, a meeting he has been hankering for over the last two years.

The Bolton welterweight takes on Chris Algieri in Brooklyn on May 29 and, providing he comes through that fight, his next outing could be against a man he once enjoyed sparring with.

Khan said: "I want this fight. I would love to box Manny. We’ve been looking at an event in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only a short drive away. It’s a dream of mine to fight in that part of the world."

One possible stumbling block could be the potential for a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch, but 'PacMan' would prefer a later date for his second fight of the year and Mayweather's six-fight Showtime deal expires in Spetember.

Khan prefers to fight later in the year as well, with any September outings ruled out because his strict observance of Ramadan would end in a rushed preparation.

'Assault'

He suspects Pacquiao will be beaten in Las Vegas on May 2, a fight he will watch from ringside, and defeat would make a 2015 meeting between the two more likely.

"I actually think that once Mayweather gets through Manny’s assault in the first few rounds it will become an easy win for him," Khan said.

"Manny has speed and power but Floyd has the defensive skill to avoid him and the brain and accuracy to keep picking him off as he comes in.

"The longer it goes the harder it will get for Manny and if he is to win he will have to keep up the pace through every minute of every round.

"I’ll just watch it with a professional eye. And there is a chance that if Floyd’s legs really are slowing down that Manny will catch up with him - and he can punch.

"I’ve wasted the best part of a couple of years waiting for Floyd because I would love to be the man who beat the man considered the best pound-for-pound in the world. Now I have to make the most of every day because soon it may be too late.

"Floyd and Manny are getting closer to retirement and if I don’t fight one of them soon it may never happen."

'IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE TROPHY'

Mathieu Debuchy spoke to the media after Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final victory against Reading on Saturday. This is what he had to say:

on how he feels…

I’m so happy because it’s so important to be back on the pitch. It was a good team performance. It was hard for me after my second surgery this year but now it’s behind me and I’m so happy to play for Arsenal.

on how difficult it’s been…

It’s been difficult for me. Two surgeries in the same season is difficult but now I’m okay and I want to play a lot. I want to help the team and I am focused on the end of the season.

on whether he is 100 per cent…

No. I need to work hard again but I hope to be ready and 100 per cent soon.

on whether he knew he would return before the end of the season…

I need to play some games. I hope to play for the rest of the season. I need to try again, again and again.

on the injury sustained against Stoke…

It’s football. I know Marco Arnautovic and it’s just football. I’m okay.

on whether he had any low moments…

It was hard. It was three months after three months. I am strong in my head now and I’m happy to do my best now.

on whether he thought the season was finished…

I always knew I would come back.

on playing in the FA Cup final…

It was so important to reach the final. We did and now we are focused on the final. We want to win the final like last year. It’s important for us to keep the trophy and for the club.

on Jack Wilshere…

We spoke together. It’s hard for him as well to have surgery for four months. It’s hard for him but he’s a good player and he’s strong as well.

on Hector Bellerin…

Hector played very well. He’s a very good player and I’m so happy for him. It’s so important that we have two or three players in each position.

Is Rodgers the right man to carry on spending? Here's our verdict on the 22 players who have cost £216m in three years at Liverpool

After spending more than £200million since taking charge at Liverpool in June 2012, there is only so long the owners and fans will keep patient in their desire for dividends. Twitching times can develop when the top clubs go through barren spells - and Rodgers' is beginning to enter such a period. During Rodgers' time in charge, Manchester United and Chelsea had spent more than their Merseyside rivals - so too have City by a fraction - but each of those have brought home something. United and City have won two trophies - including the Premier League title - while Chelsea have one and are sure to add the league title to that soon.

Another trophy slipped through Brendan Rodgers’ grip when they lost to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday. 

That elusive first piece of silverware is proving hard to attain and an itch is developing which is in dire need of being scratched.

After spending more than £200million since taking charge at Liverpool in June 2012, there is only so long the owners and fans will keep patient in their desire for dividends.

Twitching times can develop when the top clubs go through barren spells - and Rodgers’ is beginning to enter such a period.

During Rodgers’ time in charge, Manchester United and Chelsea had spent more than their Merseyside rivals - so too have City by a fraction - but each of those have brought home something. United and City have won two trophies - including the Premier League title - while Chelsea have one and are sure to add the league title to that soon.

Arsene Wenger has spent £183m, comparatively little, but MANAGED to win two trophies over the past two seasons. That is less than rivals Tottenham, who have spent just under £200m and, like Liverpool, have won nothing.

While the country’s best teams are filling their trophy cabinets, Rodgers’ remains bare.

The Red half of Merseyside expect success and landed the League Cup under Kenny Dalglish just before Rodgers took to the helm.

Analysis by Sportsmail indicates that he has signed 22 players during his tenure, but only seven of those can be considered a success at this current time.

His top signings have been Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Simon Mignolet, but the poor transfers outweigh the successful ones.

Rogers has gone for top young talent, ranging from 18 to 21 when he signs them. There is still time for some of those players - the likes of Joao Teixeira and Divock Origi - to prove their worth. But there will be only so much time.

Many of his big-money failures came last summer, when he tried to spend the money accrued from selling Luis Suarez to Barcelona for £75m. Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Balotelli have all disappointed this term.

Like the younger potentials, each of those could still make their mark, but the question is if it does not come together next season - and they remain trophyless again - will Rogers still be in charge to reap any of the rewards?