Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor in talks over April fight

Manny Pacquiao is now a senator in the Philippines

Manny Pacquiao has revealed he and Conor McGregor have held preliminary talks about a possible fight in April.

Pacquiao, a senator in his native Philippines, was asked on Friday if he had approached McGregor's representatives about a fight.

"Initially," Pacquiao said. "But we have not yet had any follow-up conversations.

"If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us."

Last month, Pacquiao took to social media with a message that appeared to hint at a match with McGregor:

"Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma."

Pacquiao, who turns 39 this month, lost his WBO welterweight title to Australian Jeff Horn in July, having come out of retirement in 2016 to take the belt from American Jessie Vargas.

Pacquiao lost to Jeff Horn in July

McGregor has not fought in MMA or boxing since losing to Floyd Mayweather by a 10th-round technical knockout in their bout in Las Vegas in August.

Conor McGregor hasn't fought since his defeat to Floyd Mayweather

Pacquiao, who has won eight world championships in different weight divisions, stressed McGregor is just one of many possible opponents and the fight has to happen during the Senate recess in the Philippines:

"It depends who they can finalise as my opponent by April," he said.

Aside from McGregor, Pacquiao could also have a rematch with Horn or a fight with 29-year-old American Keith Thurman who holds the WBA Super welterweight title and the WBC welterweight title.