The BBC will fill Gary Lineker’s boots with a “safe pair of hands” should the broadcaster’s highest-paid presenter quit the show, according to broadcaster Tre Lowe.
Speculation is rife with regard to the 63-year-old’s future with the broadcaster, with some reports suggesting his exit is ‘imminent’.
MailOnline reported it had seen an email from BBC bosses preparing to announce his departure.
Speaking on GB News, Lowe said the broadcaster may make an internal hire should his exit be confirmed.
“The other guy who does Match of the Day Two, Mark Chapman, I think he would be a safe pair of hands”, he said.
GB News star Ben Leo argued the broadcaster doesn’t need a flashy name fronting the Premier League highlights, saying people don’t tune in to watch Gary Lineker.
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He said this would save the taxpayer given the hefty salary shelled out to Lineker.
But according to Lowe, the individual presenting the coverage is of critical importance.
“I think it makes a difference. When you have someone who is worth watching, you know it will be different”, he said.
“Sometimes, the football is rubbish, but the presenter makes it interesting.”
He added that the BBC may opt for a female presenter, with Gabby Logan mentioned as a potential candidate.
The BBC has released a statement on the matter, saying it has “nothing to announce”.
They added that he remains under contract until the end of next season, a period filled with football coverage by the BBC.
The broadcaster is this year covering the Champions League with a weekly highlights show.
“We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract,” a spokesperson for the BBC said. “He is under contract until the end of the season.”
MailOnline said it had been unable to verify the authenticity of the email.
According to the corporation’s annual report, published in July, Lineker has been the BBC’s highest paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years.
He took over the flagship football highlights show in 1999 after predecessor Des Lynam joined ITV.
