Gary Lineker reveals who he'd 'love' to replace him as MOTD host after Jermaine Jenas sacking

Gary Lineker has named the person he would 'love' to replace him as the host of Match of the Day once he steps down from the role.

Lineker has presented BBC's flagship football highlights programme since 1999 after replacing Des Lynam.

He celebrated 25 years in the role earlier this year, and The Sun report that he is set to enter talks with the BBC over extending his stay with the corporation.

Rumours emerged last week that Lineker was set to leave the show - but he shut down those rumours in style during Saturday's programme.

He opened up the show by telling viewers: "Seven games on the way, and it's my last show... before the international break."

Now, on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker has named current Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards as someone he would 'love' to replace him once he does leave his role.

He said: "It's natural you have to have conversations. They've just started [over my future]. I don't know why it's spiralled out of control, but all is OK.

"I'm more concerned about my cold. I started not feeling well on my way home - terrible cold."

Richards then said: "What's more concerning is I'm 4/1 to replace you!"

"I'd love to see you take over, mate," Lineker replied. "I think you'd be brilliant in the chair."

While Richards has never fronted football coverage, he is a regular pundit for BBC, Sky Sports and CBS Sports.

The former Manchester City defender is one of the most popular pundits in the country, while he also works on Sky One's 'A League of Their Own' alongside Jill Scott, Jamie Redknapp and Romesh Ranganathan.

In terms of the MOTD hosting role, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the favourites to replace Lineker when he does leave the show.