ITV prepared to ‘triple’ Gary Lineker’s wages to lure him away from the BBC

ITV are prepared to make a huge offer

Lineker was asked to step down from his role as host of the football highlights show after the corporation took issue with a tweet he published about migrant workers, and comparing the current government policy to that of Germany’s in the 1930s.

After he refused to make an apologetic statement on the show regarding his comments, the BBC made the decision to leave him off the show.

But now the rival broadcaster - who have been long-term admirers of Lineker - are willing to test the water and offer an eye-watering sum of money to convince the former England international to move.

A source close to the corporation said: "ITV will be excited by what is happening at the BBC – it’s the best chance they have had to get Gary."

The Daily Mail have claimed that ITV would be willing to triple the amount the amount he currently earns. He reportedly earns £1.35m and ITV are willing to make him an offer that exceeds the £4m mark.

Alongside that, Lineker would also be able to tweet freely and express his political views.

ITV have the broadcast rights to both the men’s and women’s World Cups, the Euros championships, the FA Cup and Champions League matches.

His younger son,  George, also hinted that his dad may be open to leaving the BBC.

A post he retweeted written by Spencer Morgan - the son of former Good Morning Britain host, Piers Morgan - said: "Just like Dad, Lineker refused to be forced into apologising for having his own opinion. I know how this story ends... in an enormous salary increase."

Related links:

• Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hits out at BBC over Gary Lineker controversy
• Ex-BBC boss says axing Gary Lineker was ‘mistaken’
• BBC urged to explain why Gary Lineker is ‘restrained but Alan Sugar seems not to be’