Gary Lineker drops hint over Match of the Day replacement with BBC future uncertain
Gary Lineker could leave his role as BBC Match of the Day presenter in 2025
GETTY
Gary Lineker has hinted Jermaine Jenas is in line to replace him as host of BBC's Match of the Day.
The 62-year-old has been working in the role ever since 1999 and is one of five permanent presenters the show has had over the years.
Lineker covered this weekend's footballing action on Saturday night, with Jenas also in attendance.
The pair were discussing Everton's stirring 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace, with the Toffees winning courtesy of goals from Vitaliy Mykolenko, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye.
WATCH NOW: Lineker reveals snus torment
Jenas then asked Lineker for his view on a potential penalty incident, saying: "I always like the striker's opinion."
After providing his verdict, the current Match of the Day host said: "You want this job?"
Jenas awkwardly responded, saying: "No, no, not yet."
And Lineker then hinted at a possible changing of the guard by simply saying: "Later."
The former Tottenham and Leicester star signed his last BBC contract back in 2020.
However, with his current deal due to expire in 2025, his long-term future as Match of the Day host is currently up in the air.
Jenas is currently the strong favourite to take over, with the ex-Newcastle and Tottenham star already presenting on The One Show.
However, there are other potential candidates as well.
Alex Scott is another possibility, despite Football Focus losing viewers since she replaced Dan Walker as host of the show in 2019.
Scott and Walker recently had an awkward exchange on social media, while also having a 'lively discussion' at a charity dinner.
Micah Richards is another name in the frame to take over.
And the likes of Mark Chapman, Alan Shearer and Dion Dublin are all possibilities as well.
Jenas, meanwhile, said earlier this year he'd relish the chance to present Match of the Day.
He told the Daily Mail: “I would obviously be up for it.
“It's Match of the Day and it would be a great opportunity.”
In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, he added: “I still really enjoy the punditry side of things and analysing games of football, just because of my love of the game.
"But I think as you evolve as an individual, you wanna keep challenging yourself and keep testing yourself.
“I always felt that presenting alongside my experience in the game was gonna be a nice blend, especially given what I saw when I was around Gary and other presenters who've crossed over from a sporting background to television.”
Match of the Day first aired in August 1964, with Kenneth Wolstenholme the first presenter to occupy the role.
David Coleman, Jimmy Hill, Bob Wilson and Des Lynam have all hosted the show before Lineker landed the role 24 years ago.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Gary Lineker has hinted Jermaine Jenas is in line to replace him as presenter of BBC show Match of the Day
GETTY
If Lineker wants to stay as Match of the Day presenter, he'll need to follow new rules from the BBC.
The broadcaster are keen to crack down on their staff airing their views on political and other sensitive matters.
Carol Vorderman has already left the BBC after refusing to have her free speech limited.