RICKY BURNS could make his return to the ring in a final eliminator for the WBC lightweight title on June 27 at Braehead.

The former two-time world champion had been mentioned as a possible opponent for the winner of the all-Brit bust-up between Mancunian mates Anthony Crolla and John Murray on April 19.

But the Scot may now be given a shot at an established WBC top-10 fighter that, should he win, would make the 30-year-old the mandatory challenger to champion Omar Figueroa, should he successfully defend his belt against Jerry Belmontes on the 26th of this month.

Burns' promoter Eddie Hearn revealed: "We have a couple of options for Ricky and one is certainly to take on the winner of Murray versus Crolla.

"But Ricky would love to fight for the WBC belt and there could be an opportunity for him there in a final eliminator on June 27.

"If we can make a fight happen against someone high enough in the WBC lightweight top-10 there is a real chance that would provide Ricky with a shot at Figueroa, if he comes through."

SportTimes understands that there are three names in the frame when it comes to a WBC title eliminator.

Mexican Daniel Estrada is the number one-rated challenger and former world champion Jorge Linares, from Venezuela, is also a possibility.

However, it is believed that number four-rated WBC silver champion Javier Prieto, who boasts a 31-fight ring resume with 24 wins and seven losses, is the option favoured by Team Burns and the foe most likely to come to Glasgow for a barn-burner.