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      BBC launch reality show to find new football expert just hours after Gary Lineker’s bombshell MOTD exit revealed

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      THE BBC has launched a new reality show to find a fresh-faced football expert following Gary Lineker’s announced exit.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down from the much-loved show at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is stepping down from his role at the BBCCredit: PAThe broadcaster is looking to social media to find a new football expert – perhaps like Man Utd content creator Mark Goldbridge (pictured)Credit: RexLineker, 63, will continue to feature on FA Cup shows and at the World Cup in 2026.However, the Beeb are planning on bringing new faces into their talent pool.The new show will try to attract a younger audience to the broadcaster.It will be aiming to recruit a new football expert who uses the social media platform TikTok – perhaps like divisive Manchester United content creator Mark Goldbridge.READ MORE ON SPORTIt will be broadcast on iPlayer in the lead-up to the Women’s European Championship next summer.The winner of the show will apparently be offered a paid role producing digital content for BBC Sport.Their work will also appear on TV programmes like Football Focus, radio channels like BBC Radio 5 Live as well as digital and social media.A web page created for the new show states: “We are looking for talented football obsessives who are as comfortable explaining the latest tactical innovations to fan culture to interviewing top players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”All shortlisted candidates will have an on-screen opportunity as well as receiving training and upskilling as part of the scheme.”After completion of the series, the competition winner will be also offered a paid opportunity as a BBC Sport contributor.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The window for applications will open in December 2024 and full details will be available on this page in the coming weeks.”Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has insisted that the opportunity could be life-changing for the winner.He said: “There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC’s football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying.”This could change your life.”It comes as SunSport revealed BBC staff fear Match of the Day will go woke following Lineker’s exit.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.We also revealed that Roman Kemp is being lined up for a shock role in a revamped version of the show.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

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy sends emotional message to Man Utd fans after being brutally axed by Ruben Amorim

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has penned an emotional farewell message to his beloved Manchester United fans.The interim boss, 48, was let go following the arrival of Ruben Amorim, after failing to make the cut on the new manager’s coaching staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy has sent a touching message to Man Utd fans after he was released by new manager Ruben AmorimAmorim decided to let Van Nistelrooy go in his first decision as bossVan Nistelrooy had been holding out hope to go sink back into his assistant role at Carrington following Amorim’s arrival on Monday.But the incoming Portuguese manager decided to axe him in a bid to start afresh.Van Nistelrooy’s touching statement read: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club.”In particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”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. “Man 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.”The legendary striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and was installed as interim gaffer following his compatriot’s sacking on October 28.Most read in FootballVan Nistelrooy posted his tribute on social mediaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a role following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester, which capped an unbeaten four-match stint in charge.But that proved to be his final game with United with Amorim deciding to let him go in his first decision as boss.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourVan Nistelrooy reportedly took the news well and urged players to get behind their new gaffer in his final chat with them.A source said: “Ruud made clear to the bosses he wanted to stay at United because he loves the club.”But he was also pragmatic and expected that Amorim would want total control of things, including his backroom staff.“He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”Van Nistelrooy said goodbye to the Stretford End for the final time on SundayThe club legend was given a standing ovation from fans inside Old Trafford after Sunday’s trouncing of Leicester.The makeup of Amorim’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but the Dutchman will not be part of it.Meanwhile, Amorim gave his new United players some much needed TLC this week.The Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher and Stalwart Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull and will remain on in a coaching capacity.Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.The third youngest current Prem manager has stepped up to take on the league’s biggest job.He shocked fans by gatecrashing a stadium tour of Old Trafford this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.The 39-year-old will take charge of his first United game away at Ipswich Town on November 24.He shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himself during a stadium tourAmorim was all smiles at Carrington while meeting his new squad More

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      Concerned Man Utd fans jump to support Garnacho as he’s abused over Argentina cameo days after refusing to celebrate

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      TROUBLED Man Utd fans have jumped to Alejandro Garnacho’s defence after he was subjected to online abuse from Argentina fans while playing on international duty.It comes days after the 20-year-old refused to celebrate his banger from the bench which capped off United’s 3-0 win over Leicester in the Prem.Man Utd fans have backed Alejandro Garnacho after he was targeted by Argentina fans on social mediaIt comes days after Garnacho refused to celebrate his stunning goal against LeicesterGarnacho would have wanted to kick on from Sunday’s stunner, but things couldn’t have gone more wrong for him.The young winger was scolded by fans on social media after his 26 minute cameo in Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Paraguay last night.Garnacho was berated for failing to make an impact after entering the fray in the 64th minute with Argentina already 2-1 down.The United star was mocked with memes and edited pictures online, as fans wrote: “Garnacho should never be called up, he’s not good enough.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile another brutal Argentina fan wrote: “Garnacho will never prove himself, terrible player.”But United fans have jumped to their star-boy’s defence, with one writing: “Garnacho didn’t even play 30 minutes and was hardly helped.”While another wrote: “Please tell me what Lionel Messi did in that game?”A third said: “Garnacho needs a lot of support from us when he comes back to Manchester, probably feeling very low. Things could really kick on under Ruben Amorim.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was reigning champs Argentina’s third World Cup qualifying defeat and Garnacho didn’t even play in the losses to Uruguay and Colombia.But the bombarding couldn’t have come at a worse time for the young winger.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes hinted on Garnacho’s mental struggles after Sunday’s goal at Old Trafford.Fernandes said: “He celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.”I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”But former United captain Roy Keane blasted Garnacho for his refusal to celebrate on the Stick to Football podcast this week.The 53-year-old fumed: “If a younger player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man Utd, then get a job somewhere else.”When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee urged Garnacho to celebrate his goal against LeicesterGarnacho was involved in an altercation with a fan before United’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League last week.The fan could be heard saying: “Garnacho, you’ve got to pass better today, yeah please?”Pass better today, score a goal, and work on your first touch as well.”Garnacho responded by saying: “Why are you not playing?”But it wasn’t all doom and gloom a few days later against Leicester.In a heartwarming moment caught on camera, a young fan chanted Garnacho’s name as he was about to be subbed on and the star took notice by blowing a kiss. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine didn’t forget the gesture after the match as he gave the boy his match worn shirt and a long hug. The adoring fan was overcome with emotion as he cried and held Garnacho’s shirt tight to his chest, with his mum later posting him wearing it in their living room.Garnacho had a heartwarming interaction with a young fan after scoring against Leicester on Sunday More

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      Newcastle star Joelinton’s home broken into AGAIN as midfielder begs for ‘safe space for his family’

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      NEWCASTLE star Joelinton’s home has been broken into again – with the midfielder begging for a ‘safe space for my family’.The Brazilian footballer said thieves have targeted his home for a second time after an earlier raid in January.Joelinton has asked burglars to leave his family in peaceCredit: InstagramJoelinton with his partner Thays Gondim and their daughterThe star in action for NewcastleCredit: GettyJoelinton revealed the latest burglary in a Twitter postHis post came just a day after he shared several snaps of his family on holiday in Dubai.Posting on Twitter, Joelinton asked the burglars to leave his family in peace.He said: “Our home was broken into again. To anyone considering doing this – please know that there is nothing valuable left here!”What we care about most is our family’s safety and our kids growing up without fear. Read More Sport”We hope for a community where our children, and everyone’s children, feel safe. “We ask that our home be respected as a safe space for our family. We simply want to live in peace.”Joelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in January – while he was watching Newcastle take on Manchester City.The star called cops from St James’s Park after getting a security alert about the thieves mid-game.Most read in FootballBy the time officers arrived at the multi-million pound home the attackers had fled.No one is understood to have been inside the property when the home invaders struck.Footie ace theftsJoelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Incredible moment Ruben Amorim gatecrashes Man Utd stadium tour and personally greets every fan

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      RUBEN AMORIM has been hailed by fans for his incredible gesture during a stadium tour.The new Manchester United manager is getting started in his role after replacing Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim surprised a stadium tour group at Old TraffordCredit: MUFCHe shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himselfCredit: MUFCAmorim, 39, is now in the country having finished off his duties with Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese coach spent time getting to know his way around Old Trafford.And in an incredible gesture, he popped in to see the public tour of the historic stadium.The club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe said a couple of words to the fans in which he joked one would be playing and one would be on the bench.The moment has been compared to Klopp’s politeness to fans during his tenure at Liverpool.Fans have hailed Amorim on social media and are backing to surpass the German’s achievements.One posted: “Already more handshakes and hugs than Klopp during his first week in club. We are so clear!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second commented: “Could be their Klopp if they get their s**t together to be honest.”A third wrote: “What a guy.”Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThree 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.A fourth said: “May he take the club to new heights.”Another added: “An Old Trafford tour just got even more exciting—never know who you’ll meet!”Amorim started his role with the Red Devils on Monday with the international break to prepare his side.However, he has already been dealt a blow as Lisandro Martinez suffered a hip injury against Leicester City.The defender’s injury is said to be “significant” and he has been added to the club’s treatment room.Amorim will also be without Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

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      SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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      Fans can’t believe their eyes as WWE legend The Undertaker unveils Serie A minnows’ kit in ‘greatest collab ever’

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      WWE legend The Undertaker has amazed football fans after he unveiled a historic new kit for Genoa.The Serie A outfit revealed an all-new black third kit, the first in the club’s 131-year history.The Undertaker stunned fans as he helped to launch Genoa’s all-new black kitCredit: Instagram @genoacfcIt features a gold trim and is part of the club’s ‘Golden Dark Side of Genoa’ campaignCredit: Instagram @genoacfcThis new kit features the usual sponsor symbols and club crest woven in gold on a black background, also complete with a golden trim.Genoa teased the kit at noon on Tuesday by releasing a video on their social media pages. The video featured a panning high shot of the city paired with the unmistakable theme music of The Undertaker. The video then switched to a view of a puddle, before a person in a black leather boot stepped through it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next shot saw the silhouette of a figure with an open crown design hat.The next chime of bells saw the camera swap to a close-up shot of the club’s crest.And then, three hours later, Genoa revealed a picture of The Undertaker posing in their new kit in all its glory while he rocked a black bandana.Follow-up images showed off the back and sleeves of the shirt, with the text on them keeping the gold trim seen on the front, while another showed The Undertaker doing a “cut-throat” pose.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a statement, Genoa said: “The entertainment, music, artists and sports genre is enriched with the wrestling champion Undertaker.”He is in the Olympus of ring legends in a beloved and transgenerational sport.”Fans absolutely love Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘fan boy moment’ as WWE legend The Undertaker makes shock Saudi appearanceReacting to the new kit, one social media user said: “Is Genoa trying to recruit me as a fan? I can feel it.”A second said: “No idea how this crossover happened but what a kit!”A third added: “A collaboration we didn’t know we needed.”Another said: “Things I never thought I really needed to see for 1000.”The Undertaker – real name Mark William Calaway – retired from wrestling in November 2020 but has made the odd cameo comeback appearance much to fan’s delight.It is not the first time he has collaborated with football either.The WWE icon left Cristiano Ronaldo starstruck as he made a shock appearance at a pre-season friendly between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.The Genoa kit is the latest in their “Golden Dark Side of Genoa” campaign, which began last December with Rita Ora as the face of a Golden kit launch for the club’s 130th anniversary.Genoa stands as the oldest existing club in Italian football and have nine championships to their name, but none since 1924.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey currently sit 17th in the Serie A, having won just two of their 12 matches in the league this season.Former Manchester City and Liverpool star Mario Balotelli signed for the club last month in a free transfer. More

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      Five potential new careers for Gary Lineker after quitting MOTD including politics and celebrity chef

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      GARY LINEKER’S decision to quit Match of the Day has sent speculation soaring over his next career move.The BBC’s best-paid presenter, 63, has fronted British football’s most famous highlights show for 25 years.Gary Lineker is looking for something new after MOTDCredit: BBCLineker’s rising interest in cooking included becoming ‘ Chef Gaz’ for fellow presenter Piers MorganCredit: Instagram/piersmorganLineker will step down as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the campaign, although he will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season before hosting at the World Cup and then stepping down.He will take a pay cut and could focus on his interests outside of the BBC, namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is proving to be a hit.A BBC source told The Sun: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“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.“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.”However there are plenty of possible options for the England legend to pursue as his wry, relaxed manner has won millions of admirers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his willingness to speak out on controversial matters in recent years has divided opinion.All that, however, only makes Lineker even more marketable – in broadcasting and beyond.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The former Barcelona striker has also hinted at new interests, such as cooking.So what’s the £1.35million-a-year broadcaster got next in his pot?  Here we look at four potential options – with offers sure to flood in.POLITICSLineker has insisted he speaks out on “humanitarian issues” rather than making party-political comments. But he frequently irked the previous Conservative Government with several cutting social media posts.And he might appreciate the freedom to have a voice completely free from BBC guidelines for presenters.Lineker has often stirred national debate, most notably in March 2023 with comments on the UK’s asylum policy – a row which even forced a re-think of Beeb rules.He was briefly taken off air at the time, with fellow BBC commentators backing him by refusing to work.The corporation insist Lineker is “free to contribute to projects for third parties, as long as these do not conflict with his BBC commitments”.But with the ex-Tottenham ace determined to use his large following “as a power for good,” is he ready to become a new type of frontman?CELEBRITY CHEFLineker has emerged as a kitchen connoisseur – after telling the Beeb in the spring he “only started cooking about eight years ago”.Lineker could put his feet up, but will he become a TV cook?Credit: Instagram/piersmorgan“Gambas al ajillo” – Spanish garlic shrimp, to you and me – is his speciality.Such is his devotion to learning, he even cooked “three or four meals a day” during the Covid lockdown “not to eat but to practise”.Piers Morgan labelled Lineker “Chef Gaz” after the MOTD star served what the celebrity Arsenal fan called a “quite delicious feast” in front of the cameras.And don’t forget the 48-goal ex-Three Lions’ marksman has a far better footballing pedigree than Britain’s best-known TV chef – Gordon Ramsay!The Scot briefly trialled for his dream club Rangers aged 15 – but a serious knee injury ruined his playing hopes.JOINING A RIVAL BROADCASTERRecruiting Lineker would certainly be a coup for ANY Beeb rival.The Daily Mail even claimed he approached ITV at one stage over the past two years to assess if they were interested in him.But there’s been little talk of a move from fellow broadcasters like Sky Sports or TNT Sports.And Lineker, whose MOTD contract expires at the end of the season, has regularly stated his strong backing for the BBC.HOSTING OWN TALKSHOWLineker appears to love the laidback style of The Rest is Football podcast – alongside MOTD team-mates Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.Lineker clearly enjoys his podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: YouTube/ The Rest Is FootballAnd his willingness to dip his oar into many issues means he’d be in demand for all sorts of shows.He also did longer, more in-depth interviews in front of cameras for the Beeb’s “Gary Lineker Meets” series.But the ex-Leicester City hero has so far not expressed much keenness to branch out into a wider talkshow format.REALITY STARTV bosses would lap up the chance to sign top-target Lineker to just about any show.The renowned presenter has previously been tipped to sign-up for BBC flagship show Strictly Come Dancing.When previously asked by judge Shirley Ballas on Sport Relief if he was keen, Lineker said: “Sorry, I’ve got a Saturday job.”But with his Saturday night’s now free for the first time in 25 years, Lineker is finally free to sign up.READ MORE SUN STORIESOr he could be offered to front up another show away from sport.He previously hosted ITV quiz show Sitting on a Fortune from 2021-2023.Lineker could be getting top marks on a new Saturday evening showCredit: BBC More