By Edward Chaykovsky

Eddie Hearn, promoter of IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs), is making moves to secure a venue for the mandatory defense against unbeaten Errol Spence (21-0 18 KOs).

The clear frontrunner to host the fight is Bramall Lane, which is located in the champion's hometown of Sheffield.

But Hearn is not ruling out the possibility of taking the fight to the United States - to Las Vegas or New York City - if the right amount of money is placed on the table.

The purse bid was scheduled for this past Tuesday. Hearn secured a one week extension from the IBF in order to finalized the deal.

Brook traveled to the United States in 2014, when he came to Los Angeles and won a close twelve round decision over Shawn Porter to capture the IBF crown.

The dates being considered for the contest are May 20 and May 27, but there is a possibility of June 4 as well.

If they are unable to finalize the deal in the next few days, then a purse bid will take place on Tuesday. The purse bid will be very favorable to the champion as Brook has a 75-25 advantage in the split.

"Both countries are still in play," Hearn told Sky Sports. "We like the idea of staging it in the UK, but also Kell quite likes the idea of fighting in America as well. He beat Shawn Porter there, so if the money is right, he doesn't have an issue with going to the States, but most likely Sheffield.

"We're talking to Bramall Lane about it as well, end of May, 20th or the 27th. We have talked about a fight for a while there and I think this one makes sense. If we went to America, it would only be New York, or Vegas. Purse bids are next Tuesday, so really we have to get a deal done by then, otherwise it will be purse bids."