OUT-of-work footie boss Wayne Rooney is said to be in negotiations to be a pundit on Match of the Day.
The former England striker, 39, is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.
He hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.
He could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes.
It comes after Man United great Rooney was sacked as manager of Plymouth Argyle at the end of last year, with the side rooted to the bottom of the Championship.
Last night, a source said: “Punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“He worked alongside Gary and co at the Euros last summer, and was a huge hit with viewers.
“He’s also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game.
“Match of the Day and a couple of other broadcasters are interested in having him on their programming.
“Wayne and the BBC are in early stage negotiations but it is looking promising and he is taking some time to work out exactly what he wants to do next”.
Most read in Football
Last April, Rooney was forced to withdraw from his debut appearance on the show because of a back injury.
Meanwhile, Rooney’s 38-year-old wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished runner-up.
A source said: “This is going to be a massively exciting year for Coleen and Wayne — they have so many options ahead of them.”
Micah in kit off for TV vow
PUNDIT Micah Richards vowed to go naked on Match of the Day — one up on Gary Lineker who hosted in his pants.
The ex-footie star, 36, said he will strip off if fourth-placed Newcastle win the league, having won nine games in a row.
Lineker kept to a bet on Twitter and started the show in his boxers in 2016 after his former club Leicester won the Premier League.
Richards, below, made the vow to Gary and pundit Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast. Alan joked: “We don’t want that idiot on TV with nowt on.”
Lineker said: “Viewing figures won’t be the only thing that’s huge.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
