'Loves a bit of money!' - Paul Gascoigne savages Alan Shearer & makes shock Gareth Southgate Match of the Day host call as he weighs up Gary Lineker replacements

Former England star Gazza played alongside Shearer and Lineker at international level, while also working with the latter in club football at Tottenham. He has remained close to both down the years and is never shy at aiming friendly verbal volleys in their direction.

Gascoigne is currently watching on from afar as speculation rages regarding Lineker’s future as host of the iconic Match of the Day highlights programme. He has filled that role for 25 years, but is seemingly set to be cast adrift as the BBC ushers in a new era.

Shearer also works on that show, as a pundit, and Gazza has told Sports Casting when asked about the MOTD post and whether ex-England boss Gareth Southgate could take over at Manchester United as City coach Pep Guardiola moves into the Three Lions’ hot-seat: “I heard rumours that he (Southgate) was going there and Guardiola was going to be the England manager. Lineker is quitting Match of the Day isn’t he and I thought, I wonder if Shearer is going to take over, or Gareth Southgate because he’s been doing a little bit of commentary. I wonder if he’s going to take over as the main man on the Match of the Day. But it looks like he loves his management. I reckon Shearer will take over because he loves a bit of money, him. He’s so tight he only cries from one eye! If Man United do get rid of [Erik] ten Hag, I could see Gareth taking over as manager. I always say once you’re England manager, you’ll get a job for life.”

The Football Association has reportedly sounded out Guardiola regarding his future plans – with his contract at Manchester City set to expire in the summer of 2025 – while MOTD 2 host Mark Chapman and long-serving BBC presenter Gabby Logan are considered to be the leading contenders to take over in the Match of the Day chair.