HE'S OFF

MOTD host Lineker quits after 25 years in show's hot seat

- NICOLA METHVEN

AFTER 25 years fronting Match of the Day, Gary Lineker is about to blow the final whistle on his role.

The presenter will quit the show in summer and after hosting the 2026 World Cup is to leave the BBC altogether.

Bosses are expected to announce his departure later today, and start the hunt for his successor. It comes after six weeks of contract negotiations ended with an agreement for 63-year-old Lineker to step down from the popular Saturday night football show.

One insider said: "This is a deal agreed by both sides and everyone is happy with how it will play out."

SUSPENDED

Lineker earns £1.4million for MOTD making him the BBC's highest paid presenter.

Head of sport Alex Kay-Jelskig is keen to lower that wage bill.

Sources last night described Kay-Jelski as being "not exactly close" to Lineker.