Gary Lineker has already told the BBC when he could quit Match of the Day (Image: Getty)
has already told the that he is capable of hosting Match of the Day for at least another season. Speculation has at the corporation this week.
It has been reported that bosses are preparing to announce Lineker’s departure. The 63-year-old’s £1.35million per-year contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024-25 football season.
However, the refutes the claim, which first appeared in the . A spokesperson said: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”
Lineker himself insists he would entertain extending his contract. Wide-ranging reports from September claimed that the ex-Everton and star would be willing to take a pay cut to remain the face of the highlights show he has fronted since 1999.
Speaking to Breakfast earlier this year, he said: “It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment – I’ve still got another year left, at least. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Lineker jokingly referenced his future in Saturday’s episode of Match of the Day, opening the show by quipping: “Hello, seven games on the way and it’s my final show… Before the international break.”
The has held the rights to the Saturday night highlights slot for all but one of the past 25 years. Lineker took over from Lynam in 1999 having previously been a pundit and commentator across the broadcaster’s platforms.
Lineker is the ’s highest-paid star but it is unclear who would replace him. had long been lined up for the job and Lineker even suggested that the former Spurs and midfielder was his natural heir.
Gary Lineker has hosted Match of the Day since 1999 (Image: Getty)
” – who is probably drifting more towards my role,” Lineker said on the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast last year. “I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”
However, Jenas was sacked by the in September after an investigation into his conduct. The 40-year-old admitted sending “inappropriate messages” to a female member of staff, although says nothing he did was illegal.
Jenas is now unlikely to ever host Match of the Day. Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan would be contenders to replace Lineker.