Alex Scott is wanted to replace Sue Barker on ‘A Question of Sport’.
The former England footballer – who also finished fifth on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last year – is said to have impressed BBC bosses after two appearances on the long-running sports quiz series, and she’s due to discuss a deal before signing a contract in December ahead of a formal announcement in 2021.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Alex is being lined up as host, as a direct replacement for Sue. Like Sue, she’s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt.
"She’s a natural on camera and, crucially, lives and breathes all things sport. This has nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke.
"While a lot can happen over the next three months, as things stand Alex is genuinely considered the best woman for the job."
The retired defender would become the fourth presenter over five decades of the programme, following on from David Vine and David Coleman, before Sue took over back in 1997.
Former tennis star Sue recently admitted she was disappointed to be leaving the programme after 24 years, along with current team captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson.
She previously said: "I love the show so much they would have to remove me, it would have been tough for me to walk away.
"It’s been my dream job. But I understand the BBC wants to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye."
With Alex lined up to replace Sue, it’s said the likes of Jermaine Jenas, Alex Tudor, Jason Robinson, Sam Quek and Sir Chris Hoy could take over from Matt and Phil.