The 29-year-old has an impressive unbeaten ring resume of 26 wins, with 19 of these coming through stoppages by way of his big right hand.
Wales European champion Gavin Rees had been understood to be in the frame but, due to litigation between Burns' promoter Frank Warren and Rees' promoter Eddie Hearns, that is a non-starter.
But while the Colombian looks set to provide Burns with the second defence of his 135lbs belt, Scott Harrison is being lined up for a New Year all- tartan super-fight with the champion.
First, the former WBO featherweight champion will have to beat either Kevin Mitchell or John Murray on the undercard of Burns' next fight at London's ExCel Arena on December 15 to book a place in the WBO top 10.
Burns' manager Alex Morrison revealed today: "The Colombian is certainly a name that we are talking about with a view to Ricky's next defence.
"He is rated highly by all the governing bodies, and not just the WBO, and would be a creditable opponent for Ricky, who can also bang.
"Scott Harrison has also been offered a slot at the ExCel Arena against either Kevin Mitchell or John Murray.
"If he wins, and Ricky comes through, the plan would be to match the two in the New Year in what would be one of the biggest fights ever seen in a Scottish ring.
"But, first and foremost, both Ricky and Scott would need to come through at the ExCel and that will be tough."
Perez is highly-rated by all of the governing bodies, occupying the No.11 berth with the WBO, rated at four by the WBA, five by the IBF and at 12 by the WBC.
He is also an active, winning fighter, who has claimed four stoppages in his last six victories, with his last success a split points decision over 10 tough rounds back in August.
Almost more intriguing is the prospect of Harrison facing Burns' last victim, Kevin Mitchell, or Mancunian John Murray.
The latter has already pulled out of a meeting with the former champion, but with a crack at Burns in 2013 up for grabs, that is not likely to happen again.
Should Harrison decline the opportunity to meet and beat either of the two Englishmen, his last route to a world title would effectively be shut.
