BBC eyes up 'leading candidate' as Gary Lineker Match of the Day host replacement

Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates has, reportedly, been identified by the BBC as one of their top contenders to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day from the start of the next season. After a 25-year tenure as MOTD presenter, it was announced that former England striker Lineker will depart the show at the end of this season, leaving the BBC in search of a replacement.

According to The Times, Cates - the daughter of Liverpool hero Kenny Dalglish - is seen as the 'leading external candidate' for the role. The 49-year-old currently presents Sky Sports' Premier League coverage, including Super Sunday, while she also works with the BBC, presenting on BBC Radio Five Live.

Mark Chapman, fellow Radio Five Live presenter and current Match of the Day 2 host, is also considered another strong contender for the role. However, The Times reports that Sky Sports are eager to secure Cates - potentially preventing her from becoming Lineker's successor on Match of the Day.

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Despite an impending change in presenter, the BBC reportedly wants to keep the format of the flagship Saturday night show largely unchanged from next season. Viewing figures indicate that 4million viewers regularly tune in to watch the highlights, with others using BBC iPlayer and watching the Sunday morning repeat.

Although the show's format is likely to remain similar, Lineker has offered advice to his would-be replacement on Match of the Day. Speaking on the Rest Is Football Podcast, he said: "Obviously I don't know who it'll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference," adding: "I don't