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    Man Utd release major new stadium update with club to make final decision on 100,000-seater plan in summer

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    MANCHESTER UNITED have taken a major step forward in their discussions surrounding the future of Old Trafford.A Task Force, set up by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe last March, announced that they have “completed their initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium.”Manchester United have issued a fresh update about their upcoming stadium plansA new Old Trafford could cost £2billion to buildUnited’s current capacity at Old Trafford is just over 74,000Credit: PA:Press AssociationMan Utd could build a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadiumMan Utd could draw on inspiration from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThe group, which includes Gary Neville, Andy Burnham and Lord Sebastian Coe, were charged with examining whether United should refurbish Old Trafford or build a new state-of-the-art replacement on adjoining land. The Task Force determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing ground, which has stood in place since 1910, from 74,000 to 87,000,But a new-build stadium, which would cost around £2billion, would allow capacity to reach 100,000. Both options remain under consideration, with the Red Devils hierarchy set to decide on the preferred approach ahead of the summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “An Options Report has been submitted by the Task Force to executive bodies at Manchester United, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Borough Council.”It sets out a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the historic industrial engine room of Greater Manchester into a vibrant new driver of growth and innovation in sports, entertainment, business, and education.”The vision is for Manchester United to develop a world-class stadium, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of a re-energised Trafford Park.”The consensus is that United are leaning towards a new build as the “Wembley of the North” centre-piece of a wider regeneration project.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe planned project could generate £7.3 billion annually for the UK economy and create around 90,000 jobs nationally.A farewell to Old Trafford – and a significant moment in British sporting history – now looks increasingly likely, according to The Mail.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim challenges Amad Diallo to continue to raise his game Man Utd have played at Old Trafford for 114 yearsThe regeneration Task Force is chaired by former Olympian Lord Sebastian CoeCredit: AFPIt is estimated that it would take around seven years for United to have an operational new stadium, which would be the largest in Britain, according to The Telegraph.Sources stress that no final decision has been made and that there is a lot still to work through, including how any project will be funded.But the task force has challenged United to be as ambitious as possible.Lord Coe, who is chairing the Task Force, said the plans would act as a catalyst for “one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK”.There is the potential for considerable hidden costs and a longer build time trying to redevelop a 115-year-old stadium.United have been cited £50million for associated ground works and will need to build a platform over the railway line next to Old Trafford to facilitate construction.Additionally, there is the threat of severely reduced income streams while United played at a reduced capacity Old Trafford for multiple seasons.As part of the feasibility work, more than 50,000 United fans were surveyed.The survey showed that more than 90 per cent of supporters are positive about the ambition to deliver a world-class stadium at the heart of a regenerated stadium district.The data also showed that a new-build stadium at Old Trafford is the preference for the majority of fans who responded.In fact, 52 per cent declared support for that option.Redevelopment of the existing stadium was preferred by 31 per cent, with a further 17 per cent unsure.Focus groups were also established and open days held at Old Trafford to inform the work of the Task Force. The Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham said he plans to set up a new body to help drive forward the project before the stadium decision.Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester this would ensure space around Old Trafford could be cleared to “maximise the club’s options”.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s all about removing the freight terminals, and the freight that comes through Manchester city centre right behind Old Trafford.”It’s not going to be just United supporters, every rail passengers in the north west will benefit from removal of that freight from our city centre.”The new arena could seat 100,000 fansIneos envision a ‘Wembley of the North’A leaky roof has epitomised the problems with the ground and the club More

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      Neymar lifts lid on PSG ‘fights’ with Kylian Mbappe ‘jealous’ of Lionel Messi and why it was ‘impossible’ to succeed

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      NEYMAR has opened up about his relationship with Kylian Mbappe, which he reckons went downhill after Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain.The trio were made up the French champion’s electrifying strike force from the summer of 2021 to 2023.PSG had a star-studded front three of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar from 2021 to 2023Credit: GettyBut it was claimed Neymar and Mbappe developed a feud during that periodCredit: APBut all their talent couldn’t deliver the club’s ultimatum goal – the Champions League trophy.And Neymar believes Messi’s arrival to the Parc des Princes as a free agent in the summer of 2021 proved detrimental to his partnership with Mbappe – with whom he allegedly developed a feud.During an appearance on a podcast hosted by Brazil icon Romario, he said: “No, he (Mbappe) is not annoying].”I have my things with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I used to call him golden boy. I always played with him, said he was going to be one of the best.”I always helped, talked to him, he came to my place, we had dinner together.”We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous.”He didn’t want to split me with anyone. And then there were some fights, a change in behaviour.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNeymar believes his relationship with Kylian Mbappe went south after Lionel Messi’s arrivalCredit: AFPNeymar was no stranger to playing in a star-studded team prior to Messi’s arrival at PSG having played in a front three with the Argentine and Luis Suarez during his time at Barcelona.Both experiences, however, have left him adamant that having too many “big egos” in a team is a recipe for disaster.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenesThe 32-year-old added: “It is good to have egos. But you have to know that you don’t play alone.”There needs to be another guy by your side.”[Big] egos were almost everywhere, it can’t work. “If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”Neymar departed PSG in August 2023, moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal.Injuries – including a torn cruciate ligament – have restricted him to a mere 11 appearances for the club.Mbappe, meanwhile, now plies his trade with Real Madrid – while Messi is in the MLS with Inter Miami. More

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      Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali buys UK’s most expensive flat as he purchases luxury £56million Mayfair penthouse

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      CHELSEA co-owner Behdad Eghbali has bought the UK’s most expensive flat – costing £56million. The Iranian–American businessman – who took over Chelsea with Todd Boehly in 2022 – purchased the luxury penthouse in Mayfair. Behdad Eghbali has bought the UK’s most expensive flatCredit: AFPAccording to Bloomberg, the billionaire bought the flat in the summer and it features a cinema, swimming pool and spa.Eghbali – worth an estimated £3BILLION – already has a similar apartment worth £34m in the same neighbourhood. Boehly and Eghbali paid former Blues owner Roman Abramovich £4.25bn in the summer of 2022. But at the start of this season, rumours swirled of a civil war between the two owners behind the scenes. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe co-controlling owners were at loggerheads and apparently wanted to buy each other out. But as performances on the pitch under new manager Enzo Maresca improved – talk of friendly fire in West London soon faded out. The last time the pair were pictured together was during Chelsea’s away trip to West Ham in September. They were both in the Stamford Bridge stands for the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest in October – but sat separately. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoehly watched his side hammer Aston Villa 3-0 at the start of December – doing so wearing a Chelsea jacket. Eghbali meanwhile was in the stands to watch the disastrous 2-1 Boxing Day defeat to Fulham – sat alongside transfer chief Paul Winstanley. Chelsea are coming off successive losses having been beaten 2-0 at Ipswich – leaving them off the pace in the title race. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall More

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      England star Marc Guehi eyes Liverpool transfer… but Crystal Palace could want wonderkid as part of deal

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      MARC GUEHI is willing to wait on a move to Liverpool as Crystal Palace brace for offers.Centre-back Guehi was cool on leaving in the summer when Newcastle took an interest — and will have the major say on when he leaves the Eagles nest and where he goes.Marc Guehi is open to leaving Crystal Palace but won’t force through a January exitCredit: GETTYThe Eagles skipper is keen to join LiverpoolCredit: REXPalace could try to get Reds startlet Ben Doak in a potential deal for GuehiCredit: PAThe England international is holding on for a Champions League club — whether that comes next month or in the summer.Sources close to Guehi, 24, have revealed Liverpool is his first-choice destination and the Reds are also interested in a deal at the right price.Palace will look for a big fee now, although that is sure to drop in the summer as his contract ticks down. The Eagles could try to get a player out of the deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey have been checking on winger Ben Doak during his loan spell at Middlesbrough.The flying Scot, 19, wants to go back and play at the Kop — but may seek a new Premier League home if that is not available.Boro would try for him if they go up but Palace are already waiting in the wings and poised to move for the exciting young Anfield talent.Palace will push hard for Doak if they fail to land French target Rayan Cherki, 21, from Lyon — their ideal arrival next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Paris Saint-Germain want Cherki and hope to land him in a dream double, with a return for Kylian Mbappe their other main move.Palace rejected THREE summer bids from Newcastle for Guehi’s services.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays After the closeure of the transfer window, manager Oliver Glaser said: I was never in doubt [that Guehi would stay].”Congratulations to our owners because they didn’t give in.”Thank you to Marc, he was always open with me. “All the rumours didn’t influence his performances.”He always told me that he’s not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and that is always the most important thing for me.”Palace will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming bottom-of-the-table Southampton to Selhurst Park.Oliver Glasner was confident Marc Guehi wouldn’t leave Palace this past summerCredit: GETTY More

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      Newcastle eye shock transfer swoop for Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin… but are prepared to wait until summer

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      NEWCASTLE have targeted Dominic Calvert-Lewin — but are prepared to wait to get him on a free in the summer.The Toon set their sights on the Everton striker, whose deal expires in June, although they are reluctant to pay a big fee next month.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is wanted by the Magpies plus overseas clubsCredit: RexInstead, the Geordies will put all of their cash into a major contract offer for the  one-cap England man to tempt him away from Merseyside. The 27-year-old is happy to stay in the Premier League for family reasons.And he has snubbed approaches from abroad, where Fiorentina are keen on him.The Italians would also offer Calvert-Lewin a huge deal to land him in the summer, with a pre- contract ready and waiting to be signed now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Newcastle are firm favourites and will wait, which also suits their budget plans.Toon boss Eddie Howe may only make one serious move for a player next month and would need to sell one to bring in any more.Ironically, Everton and Newcastle are the two Prem clubs with the most players whose contracts end in the summer.That means they are vulnerable to swoops from overseas clubs in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s because players with just six months remaining on their contracts can negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. Indeed the Prem could be one of the hardest hit top-flights in Europe.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran kicks water bottle in fury after he is sent off against NewcastleThe Toffees and the Magpies both have eight stars poised for the pre-contract countdown.For the Toon that’s Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.And Calvert-Lewin is joined by other household names on the list of Goodison Park aces who might move for nothing at the end of the season.Ex-England wideman Ashley Young, 39, is joined by Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Willian Estevao, 17, wins two awards after dominating Brazilian league ahead of Blues return

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      INCOMING Chelsea star Willian Estevao has bagged two major gongs ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge.The Blues struck a £28million deal for the teenager with Brazilian club Palmeiras in the summer.Willian Estevao, 17, bagged 19 goals and 12 assists for Palmeiras last seaosnCredit: AFPThe Chelsea starlet’s haul landed him theCredit: AFPBut the 17-year-old won’t join the west Londoners until next summer as he was immediately loaned back to the Verdao.And he’ll join the Premier League giants having scooped two personal gongs.Estevao – who has been dubbed “Messinho” by several footie fans – won the awards for the Best Young Player and Best Attacker of the 2024 Brasileirao last weekend.Chelsea fans were quick to react to the news Estevao’s trophy haul.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSOne wrote: “Estevao Willian’s got the golden touch, and soon Chelsea will too.”Another said: “Chelsea’s attack just got a future superstar. Congrats, Willian!”And another said: “Estevao is a generational talent and he’s a Chelsea player.”One remarked: “Great news for Chelsea.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part.Another chimed in: “Big things ahead for Willian Estevao.”Best Young Player and Best Attacker in the Brasileirao, Chelsea’s future star is already shining bright.”Chelsea fans spot moment Nicolas Jackson ‘assisted’ Enzo Fernandez and stopped captain getting yellow cardEstevao bagged a whopping 19 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season, in which he made 50 appearances.And his talents have been likened to those of Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal.Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario said of Estevao in an interview with Ben Jacobs: “He’s a young player and very talented.”He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football.”He’s very promising and at just 17. “I think he’ll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea.” More

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      £120,000-a-week forgotten Liverpool star Federico Chiesa makes shock return for U21s

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      FEDERICO CHIESA made his return on the pitch for Liverpool Under-21s. The Italian joined the Premier League leaders this summer in a deal worth £12.5million from Juventus. Federico Chiesa made his return on the pitch for Liverpool Under-21sCredit: GettyBut he has managed only three appearances amid ongoing injuries. Chiesa did make his return in U21 action against FC Nordsjaelland, levelling after ten minutes as Liverpool’s first-team played Newcastle. The winger will hope to return to first-team action as Liverpool top the table heading into their trip to Newcastle. Old boss Jurgen Klopp had already tried to get the Euro 2020-winner last summer.READ MORE IN footballAnd the German had even tried to get Chiesa two years previously as well, in the wake of his starring performances at the Euros.However Klopp was repeatedly frustrated in his pursuit of the forward – with Juventus demanding £51m even after Chiesa’s form had taken a hit following a devastating knee injury.But the Reds swooped to finally get their man this year – for a whopping £41MILLION cheaper but on wages of £120,000-a-week.That was despite the former Fiorentina playing 33 Serie A games last season, notching his best Juventus goals tally, with nine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChiesa signed a four-year deal with Liverpool as Slot’s first signing.He did suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, ruling him out for seven months.That has limited him to just six Serie A starts across the past 18 months.Ruben Dias snaps at reporter and says ‘maybe have a think about that’ in prickly interview after defeat to Liverpool More

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      Chelsea looking to re-sign star they sold for just £18million but face transfer battle with Newcastle

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      CHELSEA are considering a summer swoop to re-sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to reports.Guehi came through the youth ranks at Chelsea before moving to South East London for £18m during the 2021 summer window. Marc Guehi has now attracted interest from his former club ChelseaBut Chelsea could find themselves in a battle with Newcastle, who also want to land their former star next summer.He agreed to leave Stamford Bridge three years ago after finding his first-team opportunities limited.However, Guehi, who joined Chelsea at the age of six, has since established himself as one of the Prem’s best centre-backs.He has come on leaps and bounds since arriving at Selhurst Park, with the defender breaking into Gareth Southgate’s England side last season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGuehi started five of the six games during the Three Lions’ Euros campaign, including the final 2-1 defeat to Spain.But the Palace star only missed the Switzerland game through suspension after picking up two yellow cards.The 24-year-old’s Palace contract expires at the end of next season.This has alerted the Enzo Maresca’s side to the fact he could be available for a cut-price fee next summer, according to talkSPORT.Most read in FootballGuehi is now a staple in England’s defenceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe centre-back was wanted by Newcastle this summer, but Palace refused to lower their £70m price tag.Guehi, capped 22 times by England, was recently praised by interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley for being “fast and aggressive”.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsHe only played two first-team games for Chelsea and was loaned out to Swansea City, before leaving to join Palace, who were then managed by Patrick Vieira.But transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has tipped Guehi for a possible return to the Blues. He said: “Guehi is someone who they like, he’s high up on the list. Palace have got issues, a January deal is not something Guehi is pushing for.“He’ll have a year left on his deal next summer, and will be a very attractive proposition for one of the top six. “He’s one to keep an eye on for sure, we know Chelsea like him, and Chelsea do want to upgrade the options behind Fofana and Colwill.”Chelsea player ratings vs LeicesterBy Graham HillCHELSEA survived a late Leicester fightback to win 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.SunSport’s Graham Hill rated each of the players in action.Robert Sanchez – 6He had a few shaky moments playing out from the back, which gave Leicester hope of getting back into the game before the break, but he will not be happy to have missed out on a clean sheet in stoppage time.Wesley Fofana – 7Booed on his second return to Leicester – but he refused to let it unsettle him, the fans could not put him off producing an assured display in the Chelsea defence.Benoit Badiashile – 7Controlled display at the back, he showed some superb vision at times but, apart from a spell in the first half, he was rarely troubled.Levi Colwill – 7Cool, calm and collected in defence – even when Leicester threatened to get back on level terms. A controlled second half display helped keep the Foxes at bay.Marc Cucurella – 7Looked a threat out left going forward and created some of Chelsea’s best opportunities of the game – including their second goal and he knew how to frustrate Leicester when he needed to.Moises Caicedo – 8Booked for dissent at a time when Leicester almost came back into it, but kept his head to make sure Chelsea stayed firmly in command of the game.Enzo Fernandez – 8Set up Jackson’s goal and is making a habit of providing key assists – this was fifth in his last three games.Headed number two from close range for good measure.Noni Madueke – 7Brought an excellent first half save from Mads Hermansen – who then stopped him scoring Chelsea’s second before the break.Blocked a certain Palmer goal though.Cole Palmer – 8Got some unwanted attention midway through the first half after a terrible challenge from Wilfred Ndidi – hit Maduke when he should have scored, otherwise he was excellent.Joao Felix – 6Peppered some shots in early on and proved a thorn in Leicester’s side, but drifted in and out of the game despite being part of a dominant Chelsea display.Nicolas Jackson – 7The opening goal – his seventh of the season – rounded off a powerful run and clinical finish after some help from Fernandez in the build-up. Also had a hand in Chelsea’s second.SubsChris Nkunku: for Joao Felix 81mins – 6Romeo Lavia: for Caicedo 81 mins – 5Jadon Sancho: for Maduke 84mins – 6Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: for Jackson 90 + 1mins – 5 More

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      Gary Lineker to QUIT Match Of The Day at end of season – and will LEAVE BBC after fronting 2026 World Cup coverage

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      GARY Lineker is to quit the BBC after the 2026 World Cup, The Sun can reveal.The star will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has a new signing that will keep him on our screensCredit: GettyThe star has presented Match of The Day since 1999Credit: BBC But – as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.Lineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down from the show.Anchoring the World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and USA, will mean he bows out on the biggest stage in football.Last night a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.More on Gary Lineker“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. Most read in Football“Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day moments“BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”The former England striker is understood to be on new terms, which will see his salary reduced significantly. He currently receives £1.35m, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.The pay cut, in part, is because he will no longer be fronting MOTD – and stand alone payments for the World Cup and FA Cups won’t compensate for this financially.A spokesperson for the BBC declined to comment.Over the past two months there has been frenzied speculation that the star was leaving the BBC’s flagship football programme. Last month a reported leaked email suggested he could be quitting the long-running series mid-season – promoting Gary to joke on air it was his “last game”- before clarifying he meant before the international break. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, the ex Spurs star was asked if was stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. Whether that will be the case I don’t know.”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”The Sun previously revealed Lineker – who took over from Des Lynam in 1999 – was keen to stay on MOTD and had offered to take a pay cut.While Gary has previously landed himself in hot water over his controversial Tweets, he has since struck a deal with the Director General Tim Davie over what he can and can’t post.Last season he was even taken off air for an episode in the wake of a Tweet comparing the then-government’s asylum policy to Nazi Germany. But his co-stars, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, refused to go on air without him. The BBC also failed to find a stand-in host to take over in his wake and was forced to air a truncated version of the show.Gary has also come under fire in the wake of launching his hugely successful podcasting empire.Earlier this year five of his Goalhanger productions topped the UK most listened-to podcasts. It has also taken off in the States, making him something of a multi-media mogul.The Sun understands that the BBC is now planning a number of shake-ups to revive the format once Lineker leaves.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. A source added: “The BBC are desperate not to see figures haemorrhage and want to maximise on the show’s current popularity.“They will bring in some exciting new measures over the next few years, whilst not reinventing the wheel.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNews of his departure comes as the BBC recently celebrated 60 years of Match of the Day.However the show was rocked earlier this year after pundit Jermaine Jenas was quietly axed after it emerged he had been texting two younger female members of staff on The One Show.Gary is the current presenter of Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – GettyWho 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