BOLTON boxing hero Amir Khan will stage future fights at the Macron Stadium as part of ambitious new takeover plans from the Sports Shield Consortium.

The Bolton News understands that the 28-year-old two-time former world champion is not one of the investors behind the leading bid to buy the club from owner Eddie Davies.

But Wanderers fan and Olympic silver medallist Khan has agreed an exciting deal to fight in his hometown for the first time in seven years, providing just one of the revenue streams that Sports Shield are looking to tap into if they get the green light to assume ownership of the club.

Khan last boxed in Bolton in 2008 when he beat Martin Kristjansen for the WBO intercontinental lightweight title in seven rounds.

As momentum builds behind the bid, it is now known that Dean Holdsworth, the former club record signing, would take a leading role in the new hierarchy, if it gets the go-ahead.

The appointment of football financial expert Trevor Birch as a financial advisor to Wanderers this evening is thought to be a big step forward in moving the deal on quickly – with the new owners keen to be in place well before the January transfer window.

Talks continued today and are thought to be moving in a positive direction.

If Sports Shield take ownership of the club it is understood that Phil Gartside will not be retained as chairman.

The 63-year-old, who has been at the helm since 1999, was described in a club statement this evening as “seriously ill” and has stepped down from active duty until his recovery.