Match of the Day option rules himself out of BBC promotion to replace Gary Lineker

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has quashed rumours that he could be the one to replace Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day.

The BBC is currently searching for a new presenter to take over from next season. Lineker, 63, recently announced his impending departure after more than 25 years in the role, although he will return for one last gig at the 2026 World Cup.

It's going to be a tough task to fill the shoes of the England legend. As the current host of Match of the Day 2, Mark Chapman is the bookies' favourite to succeed him. READ MORE: BBC Match of the Day's new look for 2025/26 season including Gary Lineker replacement READ MORE: 'It's got to be' - Jeff Stelling names Gary Lineker Match of the Day replacement However, another potential candidate who has experience in that seat and hasn't been widely mentioned is Bhasin.

In recent years, he's stepped up to host the Sunday programme in Chapman's absence. He was also popular with football fans as the host of The Football League Show between 2009 and 2015, when the BBC held the rights for highlights of the Championship, League One and League Two.