A new favourite has emerged to replace Lineker.

A new frontrunner has emerged to replace Gary Lineker as the lead presenter of Match of the Day, weeks after Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC.

Jenas was sacked by the corporation last month after it completed an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by the former Tottenham and England midfielder.

The 41-year-old later confirmed in an interview with The Sun that he did send ‘inappropriate messages’ to two BBC colleagues, but said he did nothing ‘illegal’ and did not send any sexual pictures or videos.

Since then, several other women have come forward to claim that Jenas sent them inappropriate messages and displayed inappropriate behaviour. A spokesperson for the former One Show host has denied those allegations.

Last year, Lineker hinted that Jenas would be in the running to replace him as the host of Match of the Day when he decided to step down.

Speaking on ‘The Rest is Football’ in August 2023, Lineker was asked who could take over the reins, and replied: “Jermaine Jenas is probably drifting more towards my role. I think he’s doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”

But with Jenas now completely out of the running, a new frontrunner has emerged.

According to The Times, long-time Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman will be named as the new presenter of BBC’s Champions League highlights.

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It had previously been expected that Gabby Logan would front the action, but it is claimed that Chapman’s appointment should mean he is now ‘at the front of the queue’ to replace Lineker on MOTD.

The 50-year-old is one of the country’s most popular and well-respected broadcasters, and hosts the weekly Sports Report programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.

He presents Carabao Cup action for Sky Sports, and The Monday Night Club for the BBC.

Chapman, who was born in Rochdale, is also the BBC’s chief rugby league correspondent, and features on the corporation’s golf coverage.