Odds show clear favourite to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas is sacked by the BBC for ‘inappropriate behaviour’

A new favourite to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host has emerged after Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC.

Jenas was seen by many bookmakers as the favourite to replace Lineker when he eventually steps down.

However, Jenas has been sacked from Match of the Day and the One Show, effectively ending his hopes of succeeding Lineker.

Lineker has presented Match of the Day since 1999, with his current contract set to expire in 2025. 

It’s understood the complaints regarding Jenas related to his ‘workplace conduct’ and that the issues were raised with the broadcaster a few weeks ago, and it took action.

Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999, sees his contract expire next year

Jenas last presented The One Show alongside co-host Alex Jones on July 22, and appeared on the Match of The Day panel on May 4.

Prior to the news regarding Jenas’ sacking, Betting Expert had placed the former Tottenham star as the favourite to replace Lineker at odds of 3/1.

Mark Chapman, who hosts Match of the Day 2, is now the favourite to replace Lineker

Gabby Logan has often stood in for Lineker to host Match of the Day and is another candidate

Micah Richards, who has proven hugely popular as a pundit, has also been linked with the job

Mark Chapman, who was the second favourite at 4/1, is now seemingly the favourite to step in should Lineker depart.

Chapman became the main presenter of Match of the Day 2 in 2013.

Gabby Logan, who has often stood in for Lineker on Match of the Day, is also amongst the contenders to replace Lineker at 7/1, with Micah Richards available at the same price.

Kelly Somers and Alex Scott are both at odds of 8/1 to replace Lineker, who has yet to confirm whether he will remain as Match of the Day host beyond next year.