Gary Lineker has downplayed the speculation surrounding his future as host of Match of the Day before jokingly backing Micah Richards to replace him.
Speculation over Lineker’s future with the BBC has been rife over the past few months as he enters the final year of his contract.
Speaking back in August, Lineker admitted he wasn’t sure if the BBC wanted to keep him.
Rumours emerged last week that the lack of uncertainty surrounding Lineker’s future with the BBC was causing ‘unrest’ among Match of the Day staff.
Lineker also playfully dismissed wild rumours suggesting Saturday night’s Match of the Day would be his last, opening the programme by saying: “Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show.”
He then paused before adding: “Before the international break.”
Now Lineker, who has been the main presenter for Match of the Day since 1999, has revealed he’s in negotiations with the BBC over a new contract.
He said: “It’s been a strange few days as you know,” Lineker said.
“I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer.
“So it’s natural you have to have conversations. They’ve just started.
“I don’t know why it’s all spiralled out of control but all is OK.
“I’m more concerned about my cold. I started not feeling well on my way home. Terrible throat.”
Richards played up to the speculation by pointing towards odds of him replacing Lineker as host of Match of the Day.
He said: “What’s more concerning is I’m 4-1 to replace you!”
And the 63-year-old laughed before backing the former Premier League full-back to take his job.
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Lineker replied: “I’d love to see you take over mate – I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”
Mark Chapman, who has hosted Match of the Day 2 since 2013, is seen as the favourite to replace Lineker along with Gabby Logan.
Jermaine Jenas was originally seen as the ideal replacement for Lineker, but he’s out of the running after being sacked by the BBC for ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
