It’s being reported that long-time BBC football presenter an notorious crisp-flogger Gary Lineker is being courted by BT, who are looking for an anchor for their upcoming Premiership coverage.

BT will be showing 38 premier league games next year and Lineker will be out of contract at the Beeb around the same time. He has already been informed that he will be receiving a pay cut if his contract with the BBC is renewed, so may well be ready to jump.

A source reportedly said: “Gary Lineker’s agent has been on expressing Gary’s interest,” a BT source claimed. Obviously we’re keen that our coverage is hosted by a big name presenter with a proven track record, and few people in sports ­broadcasting can boast Gary’s credentials. He’s popular and experienced, and looking for a new deal at exactly the right time, so everything is falling into place nicely. We have paid an enormous amount of money for the games, so it has to be a success.

With the BBC’s football coverage coming in for an increasing amount of criticism (many people think the presenters and pundits have been in place too long and need replacing) it may prove the right move for the Beeb, Lineker, BT and the viewers.