Lineker 'playing Dumbo' in Disney portraits

Gary Lineker will play Dumbo in the Disney Dream Portrait Series, the Daily Star reports.

Reports claim that the sports presenter was recommended for the job by Jennifer Lopez after she saw him presenting Match of the Day at the Beckhams' home.

Lopez told photographer Leibovitz that Lineker had a "natural aptitude" for the role.

"She was laughing with Victoria and Becks about how Gary would be perfect as Dumbo and couldn't wait to tell Annie," a source said.

Acclaimed photographer Leibovitz has already assembled an impressive roster of stars for Disney's Year Of A Million Dreams. David Beckham has been chosen to play Prince Charming, Beyoncé has posed as Cinderella and Scarlett Johansson was photographed as Alice in Wonderland.

"I would be very disappointed if I wasn't a frontrunner [for Dumbo]," Lineker joked.

Leibovitz has caused controversy over her recent topless Vanity Fair photograph of teen star Miley Cyrus.