By Nick Halling

It looks increasingly likely that former world middleweight contender Matthew Macklin (30-5, 20KOs) is poised to sign a promotional deal with Matchroom's Eddie Hearn.

Hearn spent today (Wednesday) at Macklin's gym in Marbella, Spain, and the two have posted a number of photos together on twitter. Unless Hearn has suddenly developed a craving for authentic Spanish cuisine, it looks as if the two have been making excellent progress regarding the fighter's future.

With Darren Barker retired, Martin Murray boxing for South African promoters Golden Gloves, and Andy Lee now campaigning at light middle, there's a vacancy in the Matchroom stable for a world class middleweight. London southpaw John Ryder is one for the future, but with Macklin, Hearn will be taking on a genuine, proven world title contender ready for major fights right now.

Expect an official announcement once the paella has been digested.

Nick Halling is a commentator for Sky Sports.