BBC addresses Gary Lineker's Match of the Day future following 'leaked email'

The former England striker has fronted the show since 1999

The BBC has issued a statement after a 'leaked internal email' reportedly suggested Gary Lineker's time on Match of the Day could be coming to an end. The former England striker has fronted the show since 1999, but his contract expires at the end of this season.

The Daily Mail reportedly saw an email said to suggested the corporation was drawing up a statement to announce the former England captain's departure. The publication said it was unable to verify the authenticity of the email but was told by the BBC: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract.

"He is on contract until the end of the season." Lineker was said to have refused to comment when approached by the Mail outside his home.

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The Mirror reported that earlier this year, Lineker had admitted he didn't know for how long he would be fronting the Saturday night institution, which is celebrating its 60th year. He told BBC Breakfast: "I don't know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.

"I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.

"All of these things will play a part. But it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!"

There have been suggestions the BBC would like to modernise it to attract a younger audience. Lineker, 63, earns £1.35million per year, making him the highest earner at the BBC.