Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has said his negotiations with the BBC over a new contract have "just started", following speculation about his future.Last week, the MailOnline reported it had seen an unverified email purportedly from BBC bosses preparing to announce the 63-year-old's departure after 25 years.

Gary Lineker has broken his public silence on his Match Of The Day future by revealing contract talks with the BBC “have just started”. Lineker, 63, saw his future as the face of Match Of The Day thrown into doubt last week following the emergence of an apparent email by senior BBC staff planning for his immediate departure.

Gary Lineker has revealed what he told the BBC bosses after discovering who the favourite to replace him in the Match of the Day chair was. Lineker has been at the front of a BBC storm after it was rumoured last Saturday’s Match of the Day would be his final-ever show as its presenter.