BBC identify leading candidate to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day as host sends advice

The BBC has reportedly identified Sky Sports’ presenter Kelly Cates as one of the leading candidates to take over from Gary Lineker on Match of the Day at the start of next season.

After a 25 year stint as MOTD presenter, it has been announced that the former England striker will leave the show at the end of the season. The development leaves the BBC searching for a replacement.

According to the Times , Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, has emerged as the ‘leading external candidate for the role. The 49-year-old currently works for Sky Sports, presenting their Premier League coverage including Super Sunday.

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She also works with the BBC, presenting on BBC Radio Five Live. Fellow Radio Five Live presenter and current Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman is also seen as a leading contender for the role.

But the Times claims Sky Sports are keen to tie Kates down themselves in a scenario that could prevent her from becoming Lineker's successor on Match of the Day.

Despite the change in presenter, the BBC are said to be keen for the format of the flagship Saturday night show not to be changes too much in the new season. Viewing figures show that 4 millions viewers regularly tune in to watch the highlights, with others using BBC iplayer and watching the Sunday morning repeat.

While the format is not expected to change too much, Lineker has sent advice to his successor , whoever that may be. “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference,” he told the Rest Is Football Podcast.

“I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself. I had to fill the ginormous shoes of a certain Des Lynam.

“I would say just be yourself and enjoy it, it’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”