Froch recorded a comprehensive fifth-round stoppage against Bute last time out but is contractually obliged to give the Romanian a return bout.
He says that contest should happen early next year before the 35-year-old turns his attention to avenging one of the two losses on his record against Mikkel Kessler or Andre Ward.
"The Lucien Bute rematch is going to take place early next year, probably in March-April time," Froch said.
"Then we will look at getting a rematch with either Mikkel Kessler or Andre Ward - I think we'd prefer a rematch with Kessler because that's a fight for the fans and for the television.
"It's a big fight, it's exciting. He's got a win against me, albeit a very close, controversial decision away from home.
"That's something I want to avenge. In a fight with Kessler the fans know they are guaranteed excitement. We both stand and fight, we are both proud warriors."
But Froch was quick to add that the fact he would rather have a rematch with Kessler does not mean he thinks he cannot beat Ward, who claimed a fairly comfortable points win over him last December.
He said: "One thing's for sure, if I can get the fight with Andre Ward it would be a massive fight and that would secure my legacy.
"I think I can win the fight, I really do, but let's get it in England. I went over to the USA to fight him, let's get him over here."
