They think it's all over ...Lineker 'to quit BBC'

GARY Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of this series - and quit the BBC altogether after the next World Cup, according to reports.

- Allister Hagger

The former England footballer, 63, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years.

But an 18-month contract extension would see him anchor the Beeb's FA Cup coverage for the 2025-26 season and the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The rumoured departure of the BBC's highest-paid presenter follows two months of speculation and several years of controversy.

He will accept a significant pay cut to continue working for the broadcaster after MOTD, it was said.

Last night a source at the corporation told The Sun: "Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.