Jermaine Jenas is keen to take over from Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

Jermaine Jenas has said he is interested in replacing Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day.

Jenas, who has fronted Match of the Day 2, currently presents The One Show along with Alex Jones and Ronan Keating.

Speaking to MailOnline, the former Newcastle and Tottenham footballer would be happy to take over from Lineker if he retires: "I would obviously be up for it… it's Match of the Day and it would be a great opportunity."

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He added: "I haven't thought that far ahead but I hosted Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night, which was the first one I've ever done. I loved it, it felt comfortable to me, it felt normal, and I love doing The One Show as well."

The former England midfielder didn't expect to be taking the job anytime soon though: "Gary has got plenty of legs in him and I don't see him going anywhere soon but when that day comes which it will do, I would like to think that I am at least thought about to fill the position. If that is the case then I would obviously jump at it."

The 62-year-old Lineker was recently suspended from Match of the Day by the BBC for criticising the government's immigration policy with the rest of the football show's presenters refusing to step in as an act of solidarity.

When Lineker is not available to host the long-running football highlights show, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Kelly Somers act as relief presenters.

Chapman is also the regular host of Match of the Day 2.

Jenas is also a part of the current Match of the Day team serving as a pundit alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Micah Richards.

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