Gary Lineker's response to Match of the Day bombshell as BBC stance emerges

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker reportedly told a journalist to 'go away' when asked for his thoughts on rumours that he might be leaving the Premier League highlights show.

The Daily Mail reported on Thursday afternoon that they had received an email, allegedly from the BBC, outlining Lineker's departure after tonight's broadcast of Match of the Day.

When questioned about the email, the BBC maintained that the former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona striker is under contract until the end of the season. Lineker's representatives declined to comment, as did the 63-year-old himself, who reportedly told a journalist outside his home, 'I won't talk to you, go away', according to the Mirror.

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The Times reports that the BBC went into 'witch hunt mode' following the story's publication in the Daily Mail. Despite the public revelation of the email leak causing a stir within the organisation, they refused to dismiss it as a hoax.

Lineker, one of the BBC's highest-paid on-air talents with a salary of £1.35m per year, hosts Match of the Day weekly and leads coverage of live FA Cup matches and major international tournaments.

As per the Daily Mail, insiders at the BBC were reportedly taken aback by the news of Lineker's potential early departure from the football calendar, drawing comparisons to Ian Wright's exit last season which was treated with more seriousness than a sudden departure.

Lineker is expected to be in the presenter's chair tonight as Match of the Day showcases highlights from seven Premier League matches, including