Gary Lineker has admitted that he would "love" David Beckham to join the punditry panel on Match of the Day.

The BBC are searching for a replacement for Alan Hansen, who is due to leave the show after 22 years once the World Cup comes to an end in 2014.

While Lineker would welcome Beckham, who retired from football at the end of last season, to the show, the ex-England international is under no illusion that the 38-year-old would sign up.

"I'd love to get David Beckham but I think he has made it pretty clear where his career lies!" Lineker told The Sun.

"With Alan about to retire, there is a space for the next big star of punditry, and hopefully we will find him. We are trying lots of different faces and might continue to mix it up more, but who knows."

Hansen signed a two-year contract with the BBC after the European Championships last year.