Stay of execution? Outstanding Evans stands tall for Ten Hag

Follow GOAL's WhatsApp channel now!

Madueke earns disappointing draw as Jackson struggles

Sublime Saka rips Saints apart to get Gunners out of jail

Van Dijk colossal as Liverpool march on at Palace

Barca legends to take on Real Madrid legends in Doha

Man Utd fans RAGE at INEOS for 'dragging out' Ten Hag sacking

Ten Hag's strange Man Utd team selection slammed by fans

Vini's Ballond'Or-worthy brilliance outshines Mbappe

Ballon d'Or Rankings: Vini at No.1 after nominees announced

Wrexham win to cut gap on League One leaders Birmingham

'Why?' - Palmer opens up on England substitute role

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Lineker's contract with BBC expires next year</li><li>Chapman is tipped to be his replacement</li><li>Will host BBC's UCL highlights show</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

New frontrunner tipped to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day after Jermaine Jenas' BBC sacking

Lineker, a former footballer who enjoyed a successful playing career with Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, and the England national team, has been at the helm of Match of the Day since 1999. However, his time with the iconic football show <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/gary-lineker-hints-potential-match-of-the-day-extension-after-jermaine-jenas-sacking/blte3d955874aa07660" target="_blank">may be nearing its end </a>with his current deal set to expire in less than 12 months. It is uncertain whether the BBC will offer him a renewal, and speculation is growing that the broadcaster is preparing to move in a different direction.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/mark-champman-champions-league-match-of-the-day-gary-lineker-92dptjlcx#:~:text=Mark%20Chapman%20has%20landed,on%20Match%20of%20the%20Day" target="_blank">The Times</a>, Chapman has reportedly emerged as the top candidate to replace Lineker, particularly in the wake of the BBC's <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/match-of-the-day-jermaine-jenas-sacked-bbc-inappropriate-behaviour/blt5972ebb570af72d4" target="_blank">decision to part ways with Jermaine Jenas</a> last month. He currently hosts 5 Live Sport on the radio but if he were to take over Match of the Day, it would likely mean him stepping down from his Saturday radio duties.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chapman’s growing stature within the BBC sports team was further cemented recently when he was chosen as the main presenter for the network’s new Champions League highlights program. The BBC secured the rights to air highlights from Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in years, paying around £20 million for three years of coverage, and Chapman has been selected to front the broadcast. Former players, such as Frank Lampard, are also expected to contribute to the Champions League show, adding further star power.

DID YOU KNOW?

The possible departure of Lineker from Match of the Day would mark the end of an era for one of the BBC’s most beloved sports programs. While Chapman is being touted as the likely successor to him, Lineker has continued to thrive outside of Match of the Day, notably co-hosting The Rest is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

WHAT NEXT?

New frontrunner tipped to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day after Jermaine Jenas' BBC sacking | Goal.com English Qatar

Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day show after Jermaine Jenas was sacked.