Gareth Southgate tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD presenter

England legend Paul Gascoigne has backed Gareth Southgate to take over for Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day, with the current presenter's future uncertain.

The BBC had reportedly drafted an email confirming Lineker's departure from the show, with his current contract up at the end of the season, before the 63-year-old joked that he was appearing in his "final show... before the international break."

Negotiations are thought to be underway concerning a contract extension for Lineker with the BBC, who have denounced the leaked email, but after 25 years at the helm, considerations will have been made by all parties on who could take over from the former England striker.

And Gascoigne thinks that the mild-mannered Southgate could be the perfect choice to host the show after Lineker, though that may depend on Erik ten Hag's situation at Manchester United, with the ex-England boss also linked with a move to Old Trafford.

"Lineker is quitting Match of the Day isn't he and I thought, I wonder if (Alan) Shearer is going to take over, or Southgate because he's been doing a little bit of commentary," Gascoigne told SportsCasting.

"I reckon Shearer will take over because he loves a bit of money. He's so tight he only cries from one eye! If Man United do get rid of (Erik) ten Hag, I could see Gareth Southgate taking over as manager."

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