Match of the Day's Gary Lineker backed to to 'ditch' BBC for rival broadcaster

He hasn't even left Match of the Day yet, but already Gary Lineker is being tipped to ditch his bosses for a rival channel once he steps down from the job he's held down for 25 years.

Highly paid presenter Gary's future on the long-running BBC highlights programme has been the subject of much speculation over the last year, particularly during and after the Euros, when some of his comments about England's performances and the team's former manager Gareth Southgate raised a few eyebrows.

Prior to his controversial exit from The One Show, ex Newcastle United player Jermaine Jenas was championed as the number one candidate to replace ex England and Spurs striker Gary on Match of the Day, as BBC colleagues like Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Mark Chapman were also linked.

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Months after 'leaked' emails, thought to be from BBC bosses, suggested Gary would be leaving Match of the Day, insiders 'confirmed' his exit earlier this week, sparking more talk of who might replace him. But, while many bookies now make Alex and Mark the frontrunners to be Gary's successor, Gambling.com have concentrated their odds on what the man himself will do next and are offering 5/4 on him joining a rival broadcaster.

It's been reported that, while he'll step down from his weekly hosting gig on Match of the Day, Gary will stay with the BBC for FA Cup coverage and the 2006 World Cup, but confident he'll 'swap sides,' Gambling.com are even putting him in the frame to be the anchor of Sky's Soccer Saturday.