The third half Lineker leaves BBC at top of his game. But what's next?

It is a scenario straight from the footballing world. A public falling out, leading to a star player becoming a free agent. From the moment Gary Lineker's hastened departure from the BBC was announced this week, after he had apologised for amplifying a social media post with antisemitic connotations, speculation began over his next move.

- Michael Savage

In truth, however, the 64-year-old had already been thinking about his plans beyond the broadcaster. This week, industry insiders have been wondering whether the BBC's highest-paid presenter might be pursued by a domestic rival or an overseas network. Yet, Lineker could be working with another broadcaster as soon as this summer. Having navigated one transformation from goal poacher to trusted anchor, the presenter is now free to complete another - from an established media icon to a streamer challenging the old guard.

In a sign he is ready to embrace the role of media disrupter, talks are taking place that could lead to his podcast, The Rest is Football, launching shows featuring match clips of this summer's Club World Cup, which includes Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. His Goalhanger Productions company is discussing the idea with Dazn, the global rights holder for the tournament, which kicks off next month.

It is not just his platform of choice that is changing following his BBC departure. While Lineker's on-screen draw has always been a streak of cheekiness, the podcast sees him and his regular Match of the Day sparring partners, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, take a more irreverent tone. Lineker caused headlines during last year's Euros by describing an England performance as "shit" in one episode. By this summer, such strictures will be loosened.