Match of the Day option rules himself out of BBC promotion to replace Gary Lineker

BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has quashed rumours that he could be the one to replace Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day.

The BBC is currently searching for a new presenter to take over from next season. Lineker, 63, recently announced his impending departure after more than 25 years in the role, although he will return for one last gig at the 2026 World Cup.

It's going to be a tough task to fill the shoes of the England legend. As the current host of Match of the Day 2, Mark Chapman is the bookies' favourite to succeed him.

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However, another potential candidate who has experience in that seat and hasn't been widely mentioned is Bhasin. In recent years, he's stepped up to host the Sunday programme in Chapman's absence.

He was also popular with football fans as the host of The Football League Show between 2009 and 2015, when the BBC held the rights for highlights of the Championship, League One and League Two. However, Bhasin, 48, distanced himself from Lineker's job on social media on Wednesday (November 20).

After the news broke earlier this month, one X user posted a picture of him with the caption: "Your time has finally come @_manishbhasin." Nine days later, he replied: "I wish! Thanks for the kind comments though."

Bhasin's association with the Beeb stretches back over two decades. He became the youngest host of Football Focus, aged 27, in 2004, and soon became their primary cricket presenter. He's now the frontman for Premier League Productions.

Chapman, Football Focus host Alex Scott, Kelly Somers and Gabby Logan are reportedly among the top internal candidates. If the broadcaster decides to look externally, Reshim Chowdhury from TNT Sports and Sky Sports' Kelly Cates have been suggested.

The Sun reports that Roman Kemp is being eyed for a new online role as they aim to keep up with digital trends. As part of their new agreement with the Premier League, the Beeb can share highlights before Match of the Day airs.