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GARY LINEKER has revealed two much-loved pundits could be set for Match of the Day exits amid contract talks.The 63-year-old host sees his deal with the BBC expire next year, casting doubt over his future.Gary Lineker has lifted the lid on his BBC futureCredit: BBCAlan Shearer and Micah Richards also see their contracts expireCredit: BBCLineker is in talks over a new contract and The Sun understands it was “business as usual” this weekend despite a leaked Beeb email suggesting plans are being drawn up for his departure.He lifted the lid on his MOTD future on the Rest Is Football podcast before revealing Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are in a similar position.Lineker said: “I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer, so it is natural at some point to have conversations and they have just started.”All is OK and I believe you two are in a similar predicament.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRichards replied: “What is more concerning is that I am 4-1 to replace you.”Shearer joked: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way. I’m not signing my new contract if you are a presenter by the way.”But Richards has the support of Lineker, who said: “I would love to see you take over Micah, I think you would be brilliant in the chair.”But with your eyesight you could not read the auto-cue.” Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLineker is open to staying at the BBC, with The Sun exclusively revealing that he has offered to take a pay cut.The ex-England striker could stay for £1million per year, which is £350,000 less than his current salary.Gary Lineker’s BBC pay negotiationsAnd he remains relaxed about his contract situation, saying: “There are bigger problems in the world that is for sure.”Should Lineker quit, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the bookies favourites to fill his boots. More

GARY Lineker has broken his silence on speculation over his future as host of Match of the Day – by opening the show with a joke.The former England striker, 63, told BBC viewers on Saturday night: “It’s my last show… before the international break.”Match of the Day host Gary Lineker opened up tonight’s show with a joke about his futureCredit: BBCLineker couldn’t help but laugh at his gag after days of speculationCredit: BBCHe has hosted the show since 1999 and is now its longest-serving presenterCredit: Pixel8000It comes after reports in the last few days have been circulating online saying that this evening could have been his final appearance.Lineker is understood to be in talks with BBC executives — and sources have told The Sun on Sunday it was “business as usual”.An alleged leaked email also appeared to suggest plans were being drawn up at the BBC for his departure.But the long-running BBC football highlights show opened up with Lineker making a gag about the rumours around his future.read more in Gary LinekerHe said: “Hello, seven games on the way and it’s my final show…”Before the international break.”The clever joke left pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards laughing as Lineker continued on with the show.An alleged leaked email appeared to suggest plans were being drawn up at the BBC for the former striker’s departure earlier this week.Most read in FootballIt was said to have included a draft statement for release when the ex-England ace decides to leave.The Beeb has refused to call the email a fake and instead said nothing had been agreed.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble But the star, 63, is understood to now be in talks with BBC executives over a new Match of the Day deal after sources told The Sun on Sunday it was “business as usual”.The veteran presenter could agree to stay on for £1million a year — £350,000 less than his current mega salary.He has hosted the show since 1999 and is now its longest-serving presenter.It is believed that Lineker will remain on the show until at least the end of the season.A source told The Sun: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike. “The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”Lineker was taken off air last year after his tweet compared the language used to launch a government asylum plan to “that used by Germany in the 30s”.Pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer boycotted MOTD in solidarity.Ex-Spurs player Jermaine Jenas, 41, had been reportedly in the running to replace Lineker on the show but was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.The bookies are now predicting that either Mark Chapman or Gabby Logan will be the next faces of the late-night football recap show.MotD2 host Chapman and Sports Personality of the Year host Logan are both 5/2 to pick up the reins, according to William Hill.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Manchester City defender Micah Richards (4/1) and Lionesses legend Alex Scott (5/1) are also in contention.Other names in the frame include regular pundits Alan Shearer (14/1) and Danny Murphy (25/1).Lineker has hosted the BBC show since 1999 and is now its longest-serving presenterCredit: Getty More