The One Show host linked with Match of the Day role following Gary Lineker departure

Roman Kemp is becoming an unexpected contender for a role once steps down, according to reports. BBC and Lineker have recently announced that the veteran presenter, who took over from Des Lynam in 1999, will leave his position at the conclusion of the current season.

Since then, , with discussions to revamp the show to attract a younger demographic. Rumours have surfaced that Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC's director of sport, is considering Kemp for a 'digital role' amid the planned changes.

An insider disclosed to The Sun, via : "Match of the Day is moving with the times and next season there will be more of a focus on digital highlights. Alex has been speaking with Roman about possibly coming on board and how it could work.

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"Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM. He is also a huge Arsenal fan and knows what he is talking about when it comes to football."

"It is very much in the early stages but Match of the Day is coming into a new digital age and Alex would love to have Roman front and centre."

Although the exact nature of Kemp’s potential involvement is yet to be confirmed, he brings on-air experience to the table and currently co-hosts The One Show with Alex Jones.

The BBC has recently secured a new highlights deal with the , allowing them to broadcast match action ahead of their usual 10.30pm slot on Saturday nights. With this agreement in place, the corporation is expected to 'put a renewed focus' on their digital output.

The question of who will step into Lineker's shoes as the main host of the show remains unanswered. Mark Chapman, the current face of Match of the Day 2, is among the favourites for the role, with others such as Gabby Logan also being suggested as potential candidates.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Kay-Jelski was interested in having Chapman and Kelly Somers co-host, an idea which the former reportedly 'refused'.