BOOKING favorites to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host have been revealed.
It is understood Lineker will remain on the show until the end of the season, however contract talks – The Sun revealed – are continuing.
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Gary Lineker will be there until the end of the season, but contract negotiations with the BBC are understood to be ongoing
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Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, hosts of The Sports Agents, are participating in the competitionCredit: Global
Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are joint favorites with William Hill to replace Lineker as host of the BBC programme.
Former England striker Lineker is nearing the end of his current contract ahead of the main show.
MotD2 host Chapman and Sports Person of the Year host Logan are 5/2 to take the reins if he leaves.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards (4/1) and Lioness legend Alex Scott (5/1) are also in the running.
Other names in the frame include regular pundits Alan Shearer (14/1) and Danny Murphy (25/1).
William Hill spokesman Lee Phelps said: “There has been a lot of speculation about Gary Lineker’s future as Match of the Day host and we have two contenders to replace him.
“Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan appear to be the top contenders, tied at 5/2 to take over presenting duties, but there are plenty of other names in the conversation at this stage.
“Former players Micah Richards (4/1), Alex Scott (5/1) and Dion Dublin (6/1) are all in the mix, while experienced presenters Clare Balding (7/1) and Jason Mohammad (10/1) cannot be turned off.
“Martin Keown and David Moyes are among the top contenders for one of the most prestigious roles on British television.”
The Sun revealed last month that Gary Lineker was negotiating a multi-year Match of the Day deal with the BBC – after voluntarily taking a pay cut.
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Lineker, who has hosted the BBC’s Footie Highlights since 1999, is meeting with executives over a potential deal that would last at least two or three years.
The veteran presenter, 63, could agree to work for £1million a year – £350,000 less than his current salary – The Sun reported last month.
Talks are understood to have been briefly delayed following the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal.
The disgraced former Spurs star, 41, who was reportedly in the running to replace Lineker, was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.
A source said: “Gary is hugely popular with both the fans and the players. It feels like, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands right now.
William Hill’s prospects for the next full-time MOTD host after Lineker
Next permanent MOTD headliner after Gary Lineker, according to William Hill:
Mark Chapman 5/2Gabby Logan 5/2Micah Richards 4/1Alex Scott 5/1Dion Dublin 6/1Clare Balding 7/1Jason Mohammad 10/1Colin Murray 12/1Eni Aluko 12/1Alan Shearer 14/1Kelly Cates 16/1Eilidh Barbour 16/1
“Gary loves the BBC and loves his job, and recognizes what an honor it is to host a leading television football show, as well as international matches.
“Gary has long argued that the BBC offers excellent value for money – and has literally put his money where his mouth is and offered a significant pay cut.”
MotD2 host Mark Chapman, 50, has previously been tipped to take over Lineker’s contract when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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Former England striker Lineker is nearing the end of his current contract ahead of the main showCredit: Alamy
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Alan Shearer is 14/1 at William Hill odds Credit: Getty
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Eni Aluko is 12/1 in the betting odds Credit: PA
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Micah Richards is high in the running, with odds of 4/1 Credit: Rex
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BBC presenter Alex Scott is also nominated in the race Credit: Rex
Last year, the former England striker was reprimanded by the BBC after a critical post on social media about the government’s asylum policy.
He was forced to miss the show, but his colleagues faithfully refused to replace him, so only the most interesting parts of the matches were shown instead.
The pay talks come as the BBC faces huge pressure to cut its wage bill.
Starting in 2021, he laid off 1,800 employees and cut budgets for all programs.
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Dion Dublin pictured at Pride Park on November 15, 2022 in DerbyCredit: Getty
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Clare Balding is one of the familiar faces in the race Credit: My5
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BBC presenter Jason Mohammad enjoys watching the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 6, 2019 Credit: Getty
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Colin Murray, pictured during the 2022 Carabao Cup final, has odds of 12/1 Credit: Getty
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Kelly Cates has odds of 16/1 with William Hill Credit: Rex
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TV presenter Eilidh Barbour is also in the running at odds of 16/1 Credit: Willie Vass
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