Sky Sports 'to block' BBC replacement plan as Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day

Sky Sports is gearing up for a battle to retain presenter Kelly Cates amid speculation that the BBC is eyeing her for the Match of the Day hosting role. Cates, who is among the favourites to fill Gary Lineker's shoes after his departure following the 2024/25 season, boasts an impressive career with stints at Sky, BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, where she is renowned for presenting Premier League shows like Friday Night Football.

The daughter of football legend Kenny Dalglish, Cates enjoys a varied portfolio but might be tempted by one of television's most coveted positions.

In a conversation with The Independent about her current work-life balance, Cates remarked: "Do you know, and you never want to say this, but at the moment I've got a really lovely mix of everything. I've got TV, live matches, radio, and when it gets towards the end of the season I do live Champions League games too."

She added, "I could be at an Olympics or a World Cup during the summer so the balance of everything feels really nice. But I'm not tempting fate."

Gary Lineker, the longstanding face of Match of the Day for more than two decades, has decided now is the appropriate time to step down, with new broadcast deals and a fresh vision for the show on the horizon.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker expressed: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end. It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they've got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird."

He went on to say: "I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I