Gary will decide when he leaves the BBC - he doesn't deserve this! After rumours that last night's show would be his final Match of the Day, comments from source close to Lineker suggest all is not well

The turmoil over Gary Lineker's future at the BBC deepened last night after defiant sources close to the presenter declared: 'He'll decide when he leaves.'

The Mail on Sunday understands the Match of the Day host is locked in a stand-off with bosses over his £1.35million pay package as rumours sweep the BBC that he is on the verge of departing.

Before last night's MoTD went on air, there was mounting speculation it would be his final appearance.

The BBC refused to disown a draft email – revealed by the Daily Mail last week – which announced Lineker's exit.

But in his opening remark at the start of last night's show he made light of the speculation, quipping: 'Hello, seven games on the way and it's my final show… before the international break.'

Questions over his future follow the appointment of Alex Kay-Jelski as director of sport. He is said to be determined to 'shake things up' and wants a younger audience.

Lineker, 63, was temporarily taken off air last year after comparing the Tories' migrant policy to Nazi Germany.

The former England captain, who is the BBC's highest paid presenter, is reportedly ready to accept a pay cut of around £350,000, but talks with the corporation remain deadlocked.

Last night an exasperated source close to Lineker said: '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?'

The row escalated on Friday when the Daily Mail said it had seen a draft email, purportedly from Mr Kay-Jelski, announcing that last night's MoTD would be Lineker's last show.

The email, which The MoS understands is genuine, included BBC director general Tim Davie hailing an 'incredible' career from a 'world class presenter'.

The BBC refused to comment on the email but said it has not agreed a deal to renew Lineker's contract, which runs to the end of the season.

Sources claimed Mr Kay-Jelski is unhappy with some of the strident comments Lineker makes on his hit podcast, The Rest is Football.

He sparked controversy after describing England's performances in the early stages of Euro 2024 as 's***'.

The podcast, and others that are part of Lineker's company Goalhanger, have proved hugely lucrative. An analysis by The Times suggested he earned more than £125,000 from the podcast in the first two weeks of the Euros alone. 

The source close to Lineker added: 'There's a lot of speculation about his future. I don't think he can understand why.

'He's been a great presenter, people love him. He's Mr Football. The BBC are lucky to have had him. He's not short of offers.' The source described Lineker as 'a very loyal man'.

Of Match of The Day, which Lineker has hosted for 25 years, the source added: 'He's enjoyed it but doesn't expect to be there for ever. 'But this is not his last show. He'll decide when he leaves.'

Lineker had lunch in London's West End on Friday with former BBC presenter and rival podcast host Jon Sopel.

Asked by The MoS yesterday if it was his last show as he left his south-west London home to film MoTD in Salford, Lineker replied cryptically: 'Be better.'

Last week he told a Mail reporter who also asked about his future to 'f*** off'.

At MediaCity studios in Salford, Lineker avoided photographers and went to a side entrance.

Pundit Alan Shearer was tightlipped when asked if it was Lineker's last show.

Lineker, who has also worked for TNT Sports, Al Jazeera and NBC, recently suggested he would have 'another year at least' on MoTD, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in August.

He was also criticised while presenting England's opening Euros match for wearing clothes from the Next brand he is paid to endorse.

The BBC said: 'We have nothing to announce and we have not agreed the next steps on his contract. He is under contract until the end of the season.'