Gary Lineker provides cheeky Match of the Day sign-off after 'row ...

Gary Lineker playfully addressed the swirling rumours that Saturday night's Match of the Day could be his final show.

The top-earning presenter, who bags £1.3 million a year, is in the twilight of his current BBC deal, with the 63 year old's tenure hanging in the balance as he enters the final stretch of his contract.

Having helmed the programme since 1999, whispers have been circulating that Lineker might soon be stepping down. This week, the Daily Mail reported sighting an internal BBC email hinting at preparations for a statement regarding Lineker's exit, fuelling wild conjecture that this Saturday's episode might mark his last appearance.

However, Lineker tackled the speculation head-on from the start of the show, quipping after the opening credits: "Seven games on the way and it's my final show.... Before the international break."

Earlier, Lineker had sidestepped commenting on these specific claims when pressed. Meanwhile, the BBC has quashed such speculation, emphasising that Lineker is still under contract and no future decisions have been made.

A BBC spokesperson clarified: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season," reports the Mirror.

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Speculation mounts that Lineker could find his role at risk under new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, as reported by the Mail on Sunday amid unease over some of Lineker's remarks made on his popular podcast, The Rest is Football. A source speaking to the Mail on Sunday defended Lineker: "Gary doesn't deserve this. If they are worried about how much they pay him, then they should pay him less. What's Gary supposed to do? " and "He's been a great presenter, people love him. He's Mr Football. The BBC are lucky to have had him."

Addressing his tenure on Match of the Day while on BBC Breakfast earlier this year, Lineker shared: "It depends how long they want me, I suppose," and continued, "I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens."

He also reflected on the evolution of football broadcasting rights: "Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!"