Gary Lineker's new BBC Match of the Day salary offer as truth about 'exit' emerges

Gary Lineker has been the face of the BBC's Match of the Day since 1999 and has gradually become the highest-paid individual at the company during that time as a result

Gary Lineker, the face of BBC's flagship show Match of the Day since 1999, is reportedly on the brink of a significant wage cut as part of a new contract offer from the broadcaster. Despite becoming the highest-paid individual at the company over his tenure, there have been reports his time with the BBC may be drawing to a close.

Rumours suggest a split could occur at the end of the season, with the BBC allegedly preparing a statement to announce Lineker's departure. However, a new deal seems more likely than a sudden exit.

The Telegraph reports that the 63 year old is set to be offered a new contract worth £1million-per-year, marking a substantial decrease from his current £1.35m deal, reports the Express.

The future of the pundit's contract has been a hot topic, and he finally addressed the issue on his podcast The Rest Is Football. During the episode, Alan Shearer quizzed him about the ongoing negotiations, likening it to Liverpool's current situation with key players nearing the end of their contracts.

"Me and Micah have been worried about you the last few days. Can you tell us anything about your contract? It’s like you, (Mohamed) Salah, (Virgil) Van Dijk and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) are all coming to the end of your contract. What’s going on? Inform us, please," asked Shearer.

In response, Lineker said: "I think there is one significant difference. The Liverpool fans really care about those three! It’s been a strange few days. As you know, like Trent, like Virgil, like Mo, I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer. It’s natural at some point that you have to have conversations and they’ve just started."

He continued, "I don’t know why it all spiralled out of control, but all is OK. I believe you’re in a similar predicament, you two as well. Perhaps you’ll have the Daily Mail on your doorstep tomorrow."

Lineker also mentioned his health concerns, saying: "Now that they know that. I’m more concerned actually about my cold. I started feeling not very well on the way home last night. Terrible throat and phlegmy and yuck."

When approached by the Daily Mail outside his home regarding rumours of his departure from MOTD, Lineker responded with a rather explicit retort: "F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away."