Piers Morgan has joked ITV "couldn't afford" to hire Gary Lineker.

Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker

The 'Good Morning Britain' host teased his friend after the 'Match of the Day' pundit appeared on the ITV breakfast show for the second time in nine days.

Bringing the interview to an end on Wednesday (11.11.20), Piers teased: "Now we've established the pattern, we'll see you next Wednesday...

"You've obviously got nothing else to do at home, have you?"

The retired footballer-turned-pundit laughed, and suggested he could even take over from the broadcaster.

He said: "Yeah, I might be around. I think they're just priming me up for your job, Piers."

However, Piers quipped: "Gary - they couldn't afford you!"

Instead, Gary suggested a job swap, and the 'GMB' star - who is a big Arsenal fan - seemed keen at the idea of sharing his football views with 'Match of the Day' viewers.

Piers' co-star Susanna Reid was also up for the idea, as she suggested: "I tell you what, Gary - I'll do the early shift and then if you just come in at 8.30, you can do the last half hour. I'd be OK with that."

Much has been made of Gary's BBC salary, but this year he signed a new five-year contract and agreed to a £400,000 pay cut.

Director General Tim Davie commented: "Gary Lineker has signed up to a new five-year contract saving a quarter over his last contract.

"And before you ask, Gary knows his responsibility to the BBC in terms of his use of social media."

Gary, whose new deal will keep him at the BBC until 2025, added: "I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team.

"I’m looking forward to the next five years - with a European Championship and World Cup on the horizon, it’s exciting times for me and the team."

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