'F*cking massive concern' - Gary Lineker provides significant update on future as Match of the Day presenter amid BBC pay cut rumours - as Alan Shearer ridicules idea of Micah Richards replacing him

Questions continue to be asked of how long MOTD host Lineker will remain at the helm following a 25-year stint in the most prominent of television posts. His contract is due to expire at the end of the season, with reduced terms reportedly needing to be accepted in order to continue fronting the iconic Premier League highlights show.

Lineker addressed the rumours he is generating when opening his latest MOTD appearance by stating that the episode would be his last, only to cheekily add in “before the international break”. He has now been quizzed on the contract speculation by fellow pundits when recording The Rest Is Football podcast.

Fellow ex-England striker Alan Shearer said: “Me and Micah (Richards) 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 responded by saying: “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. 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.”

Former Manchester City defender Richards went on to say: “What’s more concerning (is) I’m 4-1 to replace you.” Shearer quipped back with: “That is a f*cking massive concern by the way. I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter.”

Mark Chapman, who has fronted MOTD 2 for some time, and Gabby Logan sit among the favourites to replace Lineker if he were to walk away. He has, however, hinted at a compromise being reached that allows him to stay on.