The BBC reportedly want Gareth Southgate to be a pundit on Match of the Day after he recently quit his job as England manager.
And that could mean an awkward reunion with Gary Lineker, who was scathing in his criticism of the 53-year-old during Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
Southgate guided England to the final of the tournament, with the Three Lions then proceeding to lose 2-1 to Spain on July 14.
He announced his departure less than 48 hours after that disappointing result, with the FA now on the lookout for a new manager to lead the team.
The BBC want Gareth Southgate to work alongside Gary Lineker next season
PA
It is currently unclear what Southgate will do next.
But the Daily Mail say the BBC want the 53-year-old to be a pundit on Match of the Day.
BBC chiefs 'have high hopes' there will be some entertaining 'needle' between Lineker and Southgate if they're able to bring the former Middlesbrough boss in.
Lineker was ruthless when analysing England this summer, even at one point branding them 's**t' after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark on matchday two.
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Lineker has denied overstepping the mark, insisting he was 'fair' with his critical comments of the team and Southgate.
The report says the BBC 'want to exploit the rivalry' and 'let them hammer out their differences on air'.
A source is quoted as saying: "There's bound to be a few fireworks with the pair of them in the studio.
"Two of England's greatest football heroes going head-to-head every week would be unmissable telly."
Another insider said: "Gareth is articulate, charming and popular with audiences. People will always want to listen to what he says."
There could, however, be a bidding war for Southgate with ITV rumoured to be interested in bringing him in.
The BBC see the former England boss as the ideal replacement for Ian Wright, who recently made his last appearance on Match of the Day.
Southgate has worked in punditry before, with the former defender previously covering FA Cup and Champions League games for ITV.
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Gary Lineker was critical of England and their performances at Euro 2024 this summer
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And whether the BBC succeed in their mission to land him remains to be seen.
Tom Heaton, meanwhile, feels fans will regret giving Southgate so much flak during his time in the dugout.
The Manchester United star, who was a goalkeeping coach at Euro 2024 this summer, said: "I really do [think they'll regret it].
"If you think back to the track record, I think he's changed the feel of it. He's changed the expectation.
Gareth Southgate recently quit as England manager following their failure to win Euro 2024
PA
"So I think now that the doors sort of shut on it in that way, I think we will come back to sort of go: 'Incredible job.'
"Getting booed, pretty much every half all the way to the semi-final, it's not easy. I don't know, of course, but I imagine that probably took its toll on him."
