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      Ruud van Nistelrooy set for immediate Premier League return as he’s one of two favourites for Leicester job

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY could be set for an immediate return to the Premier League.SunSport understands the Dutchman – who impressed during his time as interim Manchester United manager – is one of two leading candidates wanted by Leicester City.Ruud van Nistelrooy took temporary charge of Manchester United following Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: ALAMYThe Dutchman is in line to replace Steve Cooper at LeicesterCredit: REXFoxes executives were impressed by the job Van Nistelrooy did at Old Trafford and believe he could be the man to steer the East Midlands club to safety.The club are now thought to be sounding out the former striker’s agents over a potential move.The development comes amid reports that Hamburg are also chasing the former United striker, who turned down the Burnley job in the summer and is regarded by many as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe.Leicester, meanwhile, are also chasing Graham Potter – who sources say could now be ready to make a return to club management.READ MORE ON LEICESTERThe ex-Brighton and Chelsea manager has been out of work for more than a year but could be tempted to return to take a vacancy left by Cooper’s sacking.Van Nistelrooy, 48, enhanced his reputation in the managerial sphere with a stellar four-game stint as interim Red Devils boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.United avoided defeat during his brief stint at the club, where he scored 150 goals in 219 appearances, winning three games and drawing once.But he was shown the exit door once Ruben Amorim insisted on bringing his own coaching staff over from Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAmorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.Van Nistelrooy is immensely proud of his brief stint in charge of his former club.He wrote on social media after his departure: “To everyone at Manchester United, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans.Ruben Amorim gives instant verdict on Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho and Zirkzee in revealing Sky Sports interview”I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.“It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager.”And I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.“Manchester United will always have a special place in my heart.”And I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! “All the best and take care, Ruud.”Ruud van Nistelrooy penned an emotional message to Manchester United fans after his departureCredit: Alamy More

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      My manager asked me to draw an ELEPHANT in a team meeting – but there’s a good reason behind bizarre request

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      KELLEN FISHER was asked to draw an ELEPHANT by Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup in front of stunned team-mates.But the Canaries right-back, 20, says there was a method to the madness as he revealed the Dane’s way of working.Kellen Fisher was asked to draw an elephant by Norwich boss Johannes Hoff ThorupFisher plays for England’s Under-21sFisher explained: “Everyone’s striving to do well since the new manager came in during the summer. Each day he’s asking us to be consistent.“We had a meeting and he got me up to draw an elephant.“After doing so, he asked how good I thought it was? I told him, ‘Not very’.“And then the manager asked, ‘If you practised it every day, how good would your elephant be?’READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I replied, ‘Pretty good’. He said, ‘In six months, your elephant will be perfect’.“He was comparing practising drawing an elephant to what we’re doing here.“We’ve just got to keep working hard and keeping our standards high to achieve better results.“It’s just the way this manager explains things, it’s eye-opening.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Going up to draw an elephant on the board and comparing that to football isn’t something I was thinking about!”Although Norwich are lower mid-table as they travel to West Brom on Saturday, this has still been a breakthrough few months for the rookie.Delia Smith gives up control of Norwich City after 27 years and legendary cook won’t receive a penny from saleFisher, who was in non-league last year, has made ten Championship starts this term and earned a first England Under-21 squad call-up.It has been a whirlwind since he joined Norwich in the summer of 2023 from Bromley.Fisher was expected to be playing for the Canaries’ under-21s for a couple of years.Yet he was quickly dining with then-club owner Delia Smith and put in the first team by ex-boss David Wagner.And Fisher said: “Delia invited me and my family for a meal before a game to get to know us, asking where I’d been and stuff like that. She wanted to make us feel welcome.“I don’t think she physically cooked it but the food was so good, maybe she did! We had steak pie, mash and gravy.“She gave me a cooking book and signed it, which I’ve given to my mum because she’s a fan of hers.”Within six weeks, Fisher was handed his debut and set up Jonathan Rowe’s last-minute winner at QPR.Fisher went on to make another two starts and came off the bench six times.Fisher started his career at Sunday team Kingfisher based in BromleyCoaches and ex-team-mates at Bromley told SunSport they believe he will make it to the Premier LeagueHe admitted: “I struggled to adapt to this level for about  six months but everyone helped me settle in.“It was great working with Wagner. I thank him for giving me my debut. I really enjoyed working for him.”Under Thorup, since starting in the 4-1 win against Watford in September, the youngster has been an ever-present.Fisher was gutted the other week when his equalising ‘goal’ in a 3-3 epic with Middlesbrough was given as an own goal to keeper Seny Dieng.The right-back’s slightly miscued cross appeared to be heading in before the Boro stopper palmed it into the net.Fisher said: “I thought it was mine but then suspected it might be taken away.“I put the ball across the front zone and it went a bit more to the right than expected. It’s gone in off the keeper and the place erupted. It was a great moment.”Fisher even enjoyed a spot of dinner with former Norwich director and chef Delia SmithNorwich sit 14th in the Championship, seven points of the play-off placesFisher is yet to score in his senior career, which also included two loan spells at Welling and Cray Wanderers while at Bromley.But he used to be an attacker until Bromley academy coach Steve Harris switched him to right-back.Fisher said: “I was playing as a winger for the under-21s and randomly one game he said, ‘I want you to play right-back’.“At the time it was short-term because, after a few games, I was a winger again.“But then during the off- season Steve told me, ‘Right- back is your position now — and you’re not changing’. I’ve been there ever since.”Fisher rose through the ranks at Bromley after making his debut in an FA Trophy game at Dover, aged 17, in 2021.And he credited his ex-boss Andy Woodman for helping him grow into a man — including a half-time rollicking after a poor performance.Fisher said: “We were winning 1-0 in a game and, before half-time, conceded two stoppage-time goals. “He told me I wasn’t being aggressive enough and that I was playing like a little boy.“At the time I was a little boy but I understood what he meant. It was the first time he had a real go at me.“But the next day he pulled me in to check if I was OK. In football, you do sometimes need a little push.”There is no doubting that Fisher is a huge talent with so much potential.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoaches and ex-team-mates at Bromley told SunSport they believe he will make it to the Premier League.Maybe the youngster who started his football journey for local Bromley Sunday league side Kingfisher is destined to become a real King Fisher.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      West Ham ‘sound out former Champions League final manager’ as Julen Lopetegui ‘has TWO matches to save his job’

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is not “listening or reading” about any sack speculation amid reports he has TWO matches to save his West Ham job.The Hammers are understood to have already sounded out Edin Terzic, who guided Borussia Dortmund to last season’s Champions League final before leaving the Bundesliga giants.Julen Lopetegui’s future could rest on results vs Newcastle and ArsenalCredit: RexEdin Terzic is rated a prime contender to step in if Lopetegui departsCredit: GettyAnd it’s claimed that should Lopetegui fail to get decent results away to Newcastle on Monday and then at home to Arsenal next Saturday, he will be shown the exit door.Typically, the West Ham hierarchy do not make mid-season firing but the club are 14th in the Premier League with only three wins from 11 matches.Terzic, a former Hammers’ assistant under Slaven Bilic, is regarded as a frontrunner should the Spaniard be replaced.He won the German Cup in his first spell in charge of Dortmund when he was interim chief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTerzic then returned to take the permanent position but quit in June this year after finishing fifth. TalkSPORT say West Ham Director of football Tim Steidten is a firm admirer of Terzic and that contact has already been made.It was put to Lopetegui, 58, that his time could soon be over in East London.But he responded: “The only thing I’m focused on is to be able to go to Newcastle in a tough match against a very good team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We have to be ready to improve and to overcome the kinds of difficulties that we are going to have as a team.“The rest of the things, believe me this is football, it’s up to you. I’m not focused on this.Who is Julen Lopetegui?“I’m not listening or reading. I’m focused on working in my daily work to be able to understand what things can happen to be a better team.“The rest of the things are out of my control.“We put all our focus on the things that we can control to be able to work better, with a high demanding, knowing that the players need to do better.“Knowing that the season arrives in May, not November. So, let’s see what happens in two, three months.”Lopetegui – who is without the suspended Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus – said he “talks every week” with chairman and largest shareholder David Sullivan.He added: “Our life is to live under pressure. Our work is like this. That is why we choose this world.“The more important thing is that we are working very hard to be able to improve a lot.“The players have a big commitment to do this. I’m sure that we are going to achieve our levels.“It’s true that we are not happy with the position that we are in but it’s true that we have a lot of time to change this.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have done good things, but not enough things and we have to do more good things. We have to be able to achieve the best level of all the players.“We have to increase the level of all the team. I’m sure that all the players are involved in this improvement.” More

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      I played for Man Utd legend and ex-Premier League manager – he taught me absolutely nothing

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      MARK HUGHES was a huge disappointment as Bradford boss and lacked people skills.That is the damning view of Bantams midfielder Richie Smallwood, who has revealed how underwhelmed he was by the Manchester United legend’s spell at the club.Richie Smallwood was expecting much more from Mark HughesCredit: RexHughes was an Old Trafford hero as a striker and managed Man CityCredit: AlamyHughes had an illustrious playing career which also took in Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.He also managed Rovers, Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke, Fulham and QPR in the Premier League as well as his home nation, Wales.But he had 19 months in charge at Valley Parade before he was sacked in October 2023 with the club sitting 18th in League Two.Smallwood, 33, took a two-division drop in 2022 having just racked up 42 Championship appearances as Hull captain because of the lure of Hughes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Sparky could only lead the Bantams to play-off semi-final agony in his only full season in charge.Asked if he enjoyed working for the former star striker, Smallwood said: “To be honest, no. We didn’t get the job done despite having a good enough team.“I didn’t learn anything from him. I was expecting a lot more. That’s how it is in football sometimes.“Hughes was the big draw for people to come here.Most read in FootballHughes, who was a popular frontman for the Red Devils, hasn’t managed since being sacked by Bradford in October 2023Credit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Because of the player he was and the capabilities he had you think that’s going to transfer over as a manager.“But sometimes it didn’t and that led to us not getting the job done. That was the way it was. I didn’t learn too much from him.”Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers Smallwood even hit out at his lack of man-management and communication skills.He added: “That wasn’t one of his strengths. That’s my honest opinion.”Bradford sit ninth, two points behind the play-offs and five off the automatic places ahead of entertaining Accrington on Saturday.And Smallwood believes the team are heading in a better direction under Hughes’ successor Graham Alexander.The former Salford, Scunthorpe, Fleetwood and MK Dons boss may not have had the glittering career of Hughes but he has played at all levels from League Two to the Premier League.Smallwood, who played for Alexander at Scunny, said: “He’s intense and gets to work. He’s always early doing his analysis, research and getting his stats together.“Graham got to know the players when he replaced Hughes and has put his stamp on things during the summer. It has paid off.“The big thing is our home form, that’s improved hugely this season. We all respect him greatly.”Bradford has been a tough job to crack in recent years.The Bantams get almost 17,000 fans at home and yet this is their fifth season stuck in League Two — and it has been 20 years since they were in the second tier and 24 since the Prem.Bradford chief Graham Alexander, seen dishing instructions to loan defender Jay Benn, has been praised by SmallwoodCredit: RexSmallwood said: “People look from the outside and see we get big crowds and have a big  stadium.“There is a big expectation that comes from that but we’ve not been able to deal with it.“We’ve had a lot of players here who haven’t played in front of those sorts of crowds before. That might be a factor.“Also opposing teams set up to keep the crowd quiet and frustrate us — and they can get edgy if we don’t score.“But things are changing. And there is a great stat that is consistent now — when we score first, we go on to win the game. We’re scoring the first goal more often.”Smallwood’s drop into the fourth tier from being a Championship captain did seem a strange one from the outside — even with the lure of  Hughes.Yet Smallwood said: “Hull went through a takeover and you find new owners want to get their own people in.“Often the captain bears the brunt of that.“But I was excited by the project here. The head of recruitment, Stephen Gent, is a relative of my missus and he sold it to me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My partner was also expecting at the time and while some players who left Hull were patient to wait for an offer, I wasn’t. “I don’t regret it and, hopefully, we can be promoted this season.”Smallwood is now targeting promotion under AlexanderCredit: Getty More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More

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      Ruben Amorim stunned by Man Utd players in training and has already made decision on flops who WON’T fit his system

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      RUBEN AMORIM was stunned by the size of the job on his hands after the first training sessions with Manchester United this week.The new boss believes the expensively-assembled squad is bloated and has already pinpointed a number of individuals who he does NOT believe will fit into his 3-4-3 high-energy style of play.Ruben Amorim has been startled by the lack of speed and intensityCredit: GettyAmorim’s coaching staff are drilling the squad on new tacticsCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, has been putting the players, available to him following the international break, through their paces at Carrington.But the former Sporting Lisbon boss could not believe the lack of speed and intensity.During the first sessions this week, Amorim was constantly having to tell the players to pick up the pace — and this has continued through the week.The coaching staff and analysts are drilling players and getting them to watch demonstrations of Amorim’s set-up to get them up to speed for his first game in charge away to Ipswich on Sunday.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLOn the positive side, Amorim has also been surprised by the quality of some players at his disposal despite United’s lowly 13th position in the Prem.Amorim is the club’s sixth permanent boss in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.He arrives with a big reputation after winning two titles at Sporting following the club’s 19-year wait to land the top honour again in Portugal.The former Benfica man  took over United after Erik ten Hag was fired 11 games into the new season.Most read in FootballRuud van Nistelrooy and all of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team were oustedCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim immediately cleared out Ten Hag’s coaching team including Ruud van Nistelrooy, who did such a good job in his short four-game caretaker tenure, winning three games and drawing one.Meanwhile, United are again being linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and old boy Angel Gomes.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionRed Devils’ scouts are understood to have watched 26-year-old Gyokeres score for Sweden last week.And Amorim has maintained United’s interest in Lille’s England midfielder Gomes, 24.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Steven Gerrard reunited with Michael Beale as ex-Sunderland and Rangers boss appointed his Al-Ettifaq assistant

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      MICHAEL BEALE is set for to be reunited with Steven Gerrard after being appointed Al-Ettifaq’s new assistant managerEx-Rangers boss Beale has been out of work since being sacked by Sunderland in February.Michael Beale is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqCredit: The SunMeanwhile Gerrard is under pressure at Al-Ettifaq following a horror start to the season.The Liverpool legend has kept his £15million-a-year job but has made changes to his backroom staff.Assistant manager Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen both left by mutual consent.And Beale – who worked with Gerrard in Scotland – has now joined to replace Holden.READ MORE IN football The 44-year-old was in charge for just 12 matches at Sunderland before being sacked in February.Al-Ettifaq sit 12th out of 18 in the Saudi Pro League, losing HALF of their ten games this season.The ex-England captain held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners in November – but vowed to fight for his job.He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.”Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq More

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      Roman Kemp lined up for shock job with Match Of The Day as part of shake-up in wake of Gary Lineker exit

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      ROMAN Kemp is being courted by the BBC’s Director of Sport for a new role on Match Of The Day.The move comes after Gary Lineker stepped down from his role as the host of the flagship football show after 25 years at the helm.Roman Kemp is being lined up as the next host of Match of the DayCredit: Maxtrix PicturesThe BBC’s Head of Sport is courting the TV presenter following Gary Lineker’s decision to step down after 25 yearsCredit: PARoman, 31, already has a large following online as the Beeb plan to modernise the programmeCredit: GettyInsiders said BBC boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted TV star Roman, 31, for a digital role as the show modernises in the years to come.A source said: “Match Of The Day is moving with the times and next season there will be more of a focus on digital highlights.“Alex has been speaking with Roman about possibly coming on board and how it could work.”Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM.more on match of the day“He is also a huge Arsenal fan and knows what he is talking about when it comes to football.“It is very much in the early stages but Match Of The Day is coming into a new digital age and Alex would love to have Roman front and centre.”The move comes after the BBC struck a new deal with the Premier League which means they will be able to share match highlights before Match Of The Day airs.The agreement means that the BBC will be putting a renewed focus on their digital and social output.Most read in SportFollowing Gary’s decision to step down this week, the BBC are now looking for a new host of the show.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsThe Sun revealed this week how MOTD2 host Mark Chapman was offered the role as a job share alongside rising star Kelly Somers – but turned it down.We first revealed how Gary, 63, had agreed to step away from Match Of The Day on Tuesday.He will host MOTD until the end of the season and anchor the FA Cup in 2025 and 2026, along with fronting the BBC’s coverage of the next World Cup.Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FMBBC sourceGary will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also now host his popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The podcast – which also features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – is part of Goalhanger productions, co-founded by Gary.A spokesperson for the BBC added: “It would be an own goal to comment on every name put to us – but any new signings will be announced as soon as deals are done.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More