The BBC are preparing to open contract talks with Gary Lineker next month, once their successful bid for four more years of Premier League highlights is confirmed.
Mail Sport revealed last week that the BBC will keep showing Match of the Day until 2029 with their free-to-air rivals ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 not entering the Premier League rights auction.
Lineker’s £1.35million-a-year contract expires when the BBC’s existing deal for highlights runs out at the end of next season, and the corporation are eager to secure their top-paid presenter.