Sport

Gary Lineker being chased by BT Sport to present their Premier League coverage

Gary Lineker is being courted by BT Sport to present their Premier League coverage, according to reports.

The former England striker, who currently hosts the BBC's Match of the Day, is said to be the broadcaster's top target to front their coverage of the top flight.

BT Sport is set to launch a new channel to compete with Sky Sports and the BBC and it is believed they are keen to have a high-profile name in the anchor role.

Lineker has said he is “flattered” to be linked to the job and is understood to be considering the offer.

The 57-year-old has been a key part of the BBC's football coverage for more than two decades, and is widely respected within the game.

BT Sport is reportedly willing to pay Lineker a six-figure sum to join the channel and provide analysis, interviews and studio hosting alongside other big names.

The broadcaster is also said to be interested in signing up former players such as Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, as well as former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.

If Lineker does accept the offer, it will be a huge coup for BT Sport and could help to bolster their coverage of the Premier League.

Lineker has previously spoken about how much he enjoys his role at the BBC and has said he is in no hurry to leave.

However, the offer from BT Sport could prove to be too hard to resist, with the prospect of a new challenge and a lucrative contract on the table.