Gary Lineker snubbed as host for new BBC's Champions League highlights show in favour of Gabby Logan as doubts grow over England icon's Match of the Day future

The BBC has a three-year deal to broadcast highlights of the Champions League starting next season, but The Telegraph reports that Gabby Logan will be trusted to lead the programme, despite Lineker's role at the corporation.

Lineker has been presenting Match of the Day since 1999, but the former Tottenham, Barcelona and England forward has endured some controversial moments over the years. Most notably, he was suspended last year for posting political opinions on social media. His removal from the show sparked a strike from fellow pundits, leading to the BBC bringing him back after a short period.

Lineker, whose contract with the BBC worth £1.35 million-a-year has just 12 months left on it, held talks over presenting the Champions League show, but no formal offer was made to him. The 63-year-old may have decided against taking on the responsibility due to his busy schedule, reluctance to travel to the BBC headquarters during the week and the success of his podcast.

It is not known if Lineker and the BBC will extend his contract when it is time to review his future with the broadcaster next year, prompting rumours of a possible new era for Match of the Day and the rest of the company's sports coverage.