Luke Littler and Phil Taylor will face each other in an exhibition match, as confirmed by darts manufacturer Target. The two champions will go head-to-head, with the contest having been mooted for some time.

Littler has stunned the world of darts ever since bursting onto the scene just over 12 months ago, when he reached the final of the World Championship on debut. He went one step further this year to take his maiden world title, defeating one of the greats of the sport, Michael van Gerwen, in the Alexandra Palace showpiece.

Lifting the Sid Waddell trophy at Ally Pally is something 16-time world champion Taylor knows plenty about, but the Power hasn’t been seen on the professional darts circuit since his retirement in 2018. The legendary darts ace hung up his arrows following a shock final defeat to outsider and current Premier League star Rob Cross seven years ago.

Fast forward to the present day and Taylor, who had kept himself busy by competing on the senior tour, is set for a sensational return to the oche, with an exhibition match against Littler now in the works. It was confirmed by Target Darts, who posted a 36-second promotional clip teasing the match, with the caption reading: “For the first time ever. The Power vs The Nuke. Coming soon…”

It marks a sensational u-turn from Taylor, who had previously suggested he wasn’t interested in facing Littler. Speaking to GB News, when asked about the prospect of playing Littler, he replied: “No. Absolutely not!

“What’s that game where you got to push the blocks out? Jenga. He beat me at that! The little b******! He’s a lovely lad, though.”

The teenager was initially of a different opinion, telling Sportbible: “I’m sure that will happen soon. Sooner rather than later.

“To share the stage with him will be incredible. I’m sure we’ll make it happen. If Taylor does start practicing, then it will be tough, but if he just sits at home and then comes to an exhibition then I fancy my chances.”

Littler has long been dubbed the heir to Taylor’s throne, with some suggesting he could come close to – or even break – the Power’s World Championship record.

Speaking after securing his first world titlle, Littler revealed he believes he has the ability to match Taylor’s record of 16. He told Sky Sports in January: “I’ve said previously, if I can win every major title in my career then I’ll be happy.

“I’d like to add on the world titles, and deep down, if I want to break the record of Phil Taylor, I’ve got the ability to. If I want it, I’m sure I can do it.”

Littler returns to action this weekend when he features at the UK Open in Minehead.