Huge BBC update on Gary Lineker's future as Match of the Day host

There have been reports the long-time host would be leaving the show

Gary Lineker is reportedly set to take a pay cut from the BBC to remain host of Match of the Day. Speculation has been growing that the long-time face of BBC football would be leaving after 25 years.

There has been reports the Corporation was ready to release a statement announcing the end of its relationship with its highest-paid star. But it now looks like Lineker could be staying on.

According to The Telegraph, the 63-year-old is set to be offered a new contract with the BBC worth £1million-per-year. The deal would see Lineker’s wages drop significantly from his current £1.35m deal.

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But it's unclear whether the presenter would be willing to accept the pay cut. He has publicly broken his silence on the new contract talks in the latest episode of his podcast The Rest Is Football.

He also cheekily referenced the story at the end of the Saturday's Match of the Day when he told viewers it would be his last show, then adding "before the (Premier League's) international break".

Early in the podcast, Lineker was asked by Alan Shearer about his contract situation, comparing the saga to how Liverpool are currently dealing with three of their best players being in the final 12 months of their respective deals.

The ex- Newcastle star said: “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.”

Lineker then replied: “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.

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