Gary Lineker shows true colours as he 'puts money where his mouth is' in BBC pay offer

Gary Lineker is reportedly ready to take a significant pay cut in order to stay at the BBC beyond next year, with his current contract expiring in 2022

According to reports, Gary Lineker is prepared to accept a considerable reduction in his salary to extend his tenure at the BBC past next year.

Lineker, who is set to turn 64 at the end of November, finds himself nearing the end of his current contract after an impressive 30-year service for the corporation. Lineker embarked on this journey with Radio 5 Live and later transitioned to television.

In 1999, he stepped into the spotlight of their football coverage on TV, replacing Des Lynam.

Ever since taking the reins as host of Match of the Day, Lineker has established himself as the show's longest-standing presenter - a position he could maintain well into the next period.

The Sun has uncovered that Lineker is willing to voluntarily reduce his £1.35 million yearly remuneration. It's understood that the new agreement would be for a minimum of two years, amounting to a 26% cut, which equates to about £1 million per annum, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Despite the pay cut, Lineker would likely remain the BBCs highest earner, though it does reduce the disparity between him and another top earner, Zoe Ball, the Radio 2 breakfast show host who earns £950,000. As per reports, discussions between BBC executives and Lineker are tentatively pencilled in for the coming month.

"Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike," a source was quoted. "The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands."

Moreover, it was stated: "Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money - and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut."