A surprise new name has entered the race to become the new Match of the Day host when Gary Lineker steps down at the end of the season.
It was announced last week that Lineker would be leaving the flagship BBC show after 26 years, though he will continue to work for the corporation until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Speculation is rife as to who will step into the England legend’s shoes, with Mark Chapman, Alex Scott and Kelly Cates the early frontrunners.
Plenty more names have been touted for the job including Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, while some have even boldly suggested Piers Morgan would be an ideal fit.
However, a new contender has entered the ring, though not one that many will probably be familiar with.
According to the Daily Mail, TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury is greatly admired within the BBC, especially by Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski.
It is said Kay-Jelski tried and failed to sign the 46-year-old for The Athletic while he was their editor, but an offer to become the face of the UK’s most well-known sports programme could be too good to refuse.
In a career spanning over 20 years, Chowdhury has worked as a presenter and reporter for the likes of the BBC, Real Madrid, ITV, beIn Sports, UEFA and FIFA.
She can currently be seen on TNT Sports and talkSPORT, fronting the former’s coverage of the Champions League and the Olympics.
She has also notably co-hosted the Champions League draw since 2017 and the draw for the 2022 World Cup alongside Idris Elba.
The BBC will not decide Lineker’s replacement for another few months but Kay-Jelski will have the final say, which may boost Chowdhury’s chances.
Match of the Day 2 host Chapman remains the bookies favourite though it was reported that the 55-year-old has turned down the chance to share presenting duties alongside Sommers.
Next Match of the Day presenter odds
Mark Chapman – 6/4
Alex Scott – 3/1
Kelly Cates – 4/1
David Jones – 8/1
Kelly Somers – 10/1
Dion Dublin – 14/1
Gabby Logan – 14/1
Reshmin Chowdhury – 14/1
Odds courtesy of BetVictor
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly Come Dancing return ‘confirmed’ after Amanda Abbington scandal
MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s line-up for dazzling Christmas special as one star makes history
MORE: Lauren Laverne set to return to BBC following cancer diagnosis
