Chapman, Cates, Scott - Gary Lineker replacement on Match of the Day odds revealed

The BBC are searching for a new face for Match of the Day following the confirmation on Tuesday that Gary Lineker will be stepping down from the show.

Despite Lineker having agreed to a new deal to front the corporation's FA Cup coverage next season and the World Cup in North America, he won't be returning as the regular presenter for Premier League highlights on Saturday nights.

Having taken up the role in 1999, Lineker's impending departure marks the end of a 26-year era. BBC's Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, said in an official statement: "After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD.

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"We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."

While it has been confirmed that details about the future of Match of the Day will be disclosed at a later time, speculation is already rife about who will take over from Lineker, with Mark Chapman currently leading the odds. Fondly referred to as Chappers by his colleagues, the 51-year-old has been at the helm of Match of the Day 2 since August 2013.

In addition to this, he is a regular on BBC Radio 5 Live, presenting their sports coverage on Saturdays and the Monday Night Club. He also presents live coverage of the Carabao Cup on Sky Sports.

His BBC Radio 5 Live colleague, Kelly Cates, is also considered a contender for the esteemed role. She presents midweek sports programmes on the BBC and hosts live Premier League coverage on Sky Sports during the weekend.

Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are also potential successors to Lineker, having established successful broadcasting careers at the BBC. Take a look at the latest odds from Oddschecker below.

Next Match of the Day host odds

• Mark Chapman - 6/4
• Kelly Cates - 4/1
• Gabby Logan and Alex Scott - 6/1
• Kelly Somers and Eilidh Barbour - 8/1
• Laura Woods - 10/1
• Dan Walker, Jason Mohammad and Micah Richards - 12/1