Gary Lineker reportedly conducted his own enquiries behind the scenes at the BBC to ‘get to the bottom’ of Jermaine Jenas’ dismissal.
Jenas had his BBC contract terminated last month over allegations about his behaviour.
He had been working as a pundit on Match of the Day and was a co-host of The One Show at the time of his dismissal.
The 41-year-old later issued an apology in an interview with The Sun and accepted responsibility for sending ‘inappropriate messages’ to two colleagues.
It all but ends his hopes of replacing Lineker as host of Match of the Day after growing speculation he could have taken the role next year.
Lineker’s £1.35million contract with the BBC is set to expire in 2025 and he recently hinted that he wasn’t sure whether he would continue.
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The 63-year-old also named Jenas as his ‘natural successor’ three years ago.
According to the Daily Mail, Lineker wanted to get his own answers on exactly why Jenas had been sacked.
He is said to have shown a ‘particular interest in what happened’ and consulted friends to find out the truth.
The report also suggested that Lineker would have been ‘worried’ about the growing reports linking Jenas with his job.
“Jermaine had been clipping at Gary’s heels for a while. He had been the only name really in the frame for some time,” a source said.
“For anyone in any job having a much younger, cheaper potential replacement coming up the ranks can be a worry.”
But it appears as though the Lineker will continue in his role as presenter of Match of the Day beyond next year with Jenas now out of the picture.
Reports emerged over the weekend to suggest that Lineker is in talks with the BBC over a new contract.
It’s been claimed that the former England international is even prepared to take a hefty pay cut from his £1.35m salary.
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Lineker, who has hosted the iconic Premier League highlights show since 1999, will reportedly talk with BBC bosses next month with suggestions he could take a deal worth £350,000 less than his current contract.
He is also reportedly willing to commit to a multi-year contract potentially running through to 2028.
