Andy Townsend 'to join BBC Breakfast'

ITV's football pundit Andy Townsend is reportedly being lined up by BBC bosses to join BBC Breakfast as a replacement for Chris Hollins.

Earlier in the month, it was confirmed that sports anchor Hollins and presenter Sian Williams would leave the show when it moves to the new BBC North base in Salford Quays in 2012.

Only 46% of staff working on Breakfast will make the move to BBC North, although that does include lead presenters Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid.

A replacement is now being sought for Hollins, and former Republic Of Ireland footballer Townsend is viewed as a strong candidate, according to the Daily Mirror.

An unnamed BBC source was quoted as saying: "Andy is the man they want if Chris doesn't move. He is regarded as very composed, extremely knowledgeable and easy to understand. He's really liked."

Townsend, who turned out for Chelsea, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in his playing career, has featured on ITV Sport for several years, including international and domestic football coverage.

He has also previously appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live and TalkSport, where he replaced Jon Gaunt after the latter was sacked for controversially calling a guest a Nazi live on air.

This summer, the BBC will start relocating five departments to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays, including sport, children's and learning, along with a range of high profile shows.

However, Hollins last year described the relocation of Breakfast as a "political decision" and said that it will be "practically impossible to get the Prime Minister" on the programme after the move.