The BBC is denying reports of a row over who will replace Gary Lineker as presenter of Match of the Day. The corporation issued a statement amid claims Mark Chapman has refused a job share with sports presenter Kelly Somers.

Mark Chapman has emerged as the favourite to succeed Gary Lineker at the helm of Match of the Day after it was announced the former England striker would be leaving his role at the end of the season

Mark Chapman is reportedly ‘not a fan of the idea’ of sharing the Match of the Day presenter job alongside female co-presenter Kelly Somers. Gary Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day at the end of the season has been confirmed by the BBC and Chapman is the early bookies’ favourite to replace him.