A rival of the BBC is willing to TRIPLE Gary Lineker's wages if he leaves

Gary Lineker could have the chance to triple his BBC wages, if he leaves them for their rivals, following the Match of the Day controversy.

Lineker temporarily lost his presenting gig for Britain's flagship sports highlights show this weekend, following his social media post about the Conservative government's immigration policy, which has received backlash from human rights bodies.

It caused mutiny for the BBC, as Ian Wright and Alan Shearer stood by their mate and decided against being pundits for the week, whilst others also followed.

Commentators decided not to work the show, leaving the corporation to run a much worse product on Saturday night, which may have broken their own rules.

As bad as the commentary-less MOTD was, it admittedly wasn't as bad as the GB News alternative that ran at the same time as the show.

The Beeb will be desperate for a conclusion to the saga, as they face showing two live FA Cup games next weekend, with currently no guarantee of who will present.

Director general Tim Davie, a former Conservative council candidate, has revealed he's hoping to find a resolution to the situation, however, others could be ready to pounce if they don't.

According to the Daily Mail, ITV are ready to make an offer that could be worth three times as much as the 62-year-old earns currently, with one source saying, "ITV will be excited by what is happening at the BBC – it’s the best chance they have had to get Gary."

Lineker is likely to attract lots of interest if he's a free agent. Image: Alamy

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has presented on the BBC since 1999, taking over Match of the Day from Des Lynam, and is reportedly on £1.35 million-a-year.

BBC lost the rights to Premier League highlights from 2001 to 2004, with ITV hosting 'The Premiership,' with Lynam and Gabby Logan presenting.

During that time, Lineker continued to present any of the Beeb's live football, whilst he has also worked on the company's golf coverage in the past.

If he did go to ITV then there would be no reason for the Leicester City fan to hide his political allegiance on social media, something that doesn't appear to matter to other people on the BBC.

Should he decide to stay, then son George thinks his dad might only remain with his current employer until the end of his current contract, in two years time.

Topics: Football, Premier League, Gary Lineker, Match Of The Day

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28