Gary Lineker’s top choice to replace him on Match of the Day will not get BBC call

Emails that claim to have been leaked from the BBC emerged earlier this week that insist that a statement has already been drafted on Lineker’s departure from the broadcaster.

With the former England international’s £1.35million-a-year contract expiring at the end of the season, there are strong rumours that this could be his final year on Match of the Day.

Gary Lineker will see his contract with the BBC expire at the end of the season

PA

Lineker might have already let slip who he would have had to replace him in the studio, naming Jermaine Jenas.

However, the former Tottenham midfielder was sacked by the BBC in August for workplace misconduct.

Jenas admitted to sending inappropiate text messages to two colleagues while working as a presenter for The One Show and his contract was terminated.

It also means any future work with the Beeb is extremely unlikely while he had been considered the frontrunner to succeed Lineker when he eventually called it a day.

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In 2023, Lineker said: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role. I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”

After fellow pundit Micah Richards joked about Lineker being worried about losing his job, the 63-year-old replied: “Nervous? I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.”

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Jermaine Jenas had been considered a frontrunner for the MOTD job

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In light of recent events, the BBC broke their silence on Lineker’s future with the company by releasing a statement.

“We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract,” a spokesperson for the Beeb said.

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Gary Lineker might yet still stay at the BBC

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“He is under contract until the end of the season.”

Potential replacements for Lineker include Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, though it is possible that the BBC extends their contract with the current frontman, who has held the gig since 1999.