Gary Lineker shows true colours as he 'offers to take huge pay cut' ahead of BBC talks

Gary Lineker is reportedly ready to take a significant pay cut to stay at the BBC beyond next year.

Lineker, who turns 64 in late November, is out of contract next year after three decades working for the corporation, initially on Radio 5 Live before transitioning into television. Then in 1999, he became the face of their football coverage on TV after replacing Des Lynam.

That included taking over as the host of Match of the Day, which he still does, making him the longest-tenured presenter of the highlights programme. Lineker could now continue in that capacity beyond next year.

READ MORE: Alan Shearer's massive net worth, family life and daughters with famous boyfriends

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand's staggering net worth, lavish property and personal life

The Sun reports that the former footballer has volunteered to drop his £1.35million annual salary. They claim the deal is for at least two years and represents a 26% wage drop to £1m.

That would still seemingly make him their highest-paid presenter. However, it would close the gap to the corporation's next top earner Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball, who makes £950,000. According to the report, talks between BBC executives and Lineker are purportedly scheduled for next month.

"Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike," a source in the report said. "The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.

"Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money - and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut."