Former Everton and Leicester striker Gary Lineker has been the face of the BBC's Match of the Day programme for more than 20 years

Gary Lineker has responded to reports he is set to leave Match of the Day after nearly 25 years on the iconic show, with his current BBC contract expiring at the end of the campaign

Gary Lineker has broken his public silence on his Match Of The Day future by revealing contract talks with the BBC “have just started”. Lineker, 63, saw his future as the face of Match Of The Day thrown into doubt last week following the emergence of an apparent email by senior BBC staff planning for his immediate departure.

Lineker was referencing intense speculation that the BBC were seeking to terminate his contract before its expiry mid-2025. Several media reported that an email had been leaked by the BBC’s sports chief, thanking Lineker for his service after 25 years hosting the show.

Gary Lineker has spoken out for the first time since the rumours emerged surrounding his contract situation at the BBC and that his time as Match of the Day presenter could be coming to an end.

Gary Lineker has spoken out on his future with the BBC, confirming that he is in the early stages of contract talks with the broadcaster ahead of the summer

Gary Lineker's future as the BBC's highest-paid presenter appears to be in doubt after the leak of an email purporting to announce his departure.

Speculation has spiralled since it was revealed that Gary Lineker may step down from hosting Match of The Day. It has been said that the 63-year-old’s contract with the BBC is due to expire at the end of the season with the network looking to hand over the baton to a leading sporting female.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has said his negotiations with the BBC over a new contract have "just started", following speculation about his future. Last week, the MailOnline reported it had seen an unverified email purportedly from BBC bosses preparing to announce the 63-year-old's departure after 25 years.

Match of the Day' presenter Gary Lineker has confirmed talks are underway with the BBC regarding his future on the football highlights show.

Gary Lineker is coming to the end of his lucrative BBC contract which could spell the end of his 25-year stint as Match of the Day 's spearhead. With a £1.35million-a-year salary, the former England footballer is by far the broadcaster's highest-paid employee.