Sir Gary Verity told British newspaper The Times that they had held positive discussions with organisers of the prestigious stage race.

He did not reveal when this could happen but insisted all those involved in the race were keen on the Vuelta a España beginning in the English county.

The race has only started outside Spain on three occasions, including in Nimes in France last year.

Vuelta race director Javier Guillen attended last weekend's Tour de Yorkshire, widely praised as a success within the cycling community and beyond.

This year's race, expanded from three days to four after the women's event was doubled to two days, brought a record crowd of 2.8 million people.

Sir Gary also pointed to the hosting credentials of Yorkshire, which staged the Grand Depart of the 2014 Tour de France.

The Road Cycling World Championships are also set to be held in the region in September 2019, when Yorkshire will become the first British host venue of the event for 37 years.

"They want to do it, we want to do it, we just have to work out the machinations around that," Sir Gary said.

"We can offer stunning backdrops and fantastic crowds. 

"There's no other event in the UK that gets more than 2.5 million spectators, nothing comes close. 

"Javier has been able to see that for himself this weekend."

The 2018 Vuelta a España is scheduled to begin with a time trial in Malaga on August 25.

The Grand Tour will conclude on September 16 with the ceremonial stage to Spain's capital city Madrid.

Team Sky’s Chris Froome won the race in 2017, but could face the prospect of losing the title after testing positive for asthma medication salbutamol.

The Briton is still seeking to prove his innocence to the International Cycling Union.