Will Lineker be first transfer target for ITV's Niall Sloane?

Niall Sloane's appointment as controller of sport at ITV, which was confirmed yesterday, could lead to an interesting reshuffle of football broadcasting "talent", writes Matt Scott, aka Guardian Sport's diarist "Digger". Sloane's relationship with ITV's football anchor, Steve Rider, has never been particularly warm, despite the pair having shared times at BBC Sport. By contrast Sloane has a close friendship with Gary Lineker, and would no doubt make an effort to lure the Match of the Day presenter to ITV if his new employer gives him the resources. ITV is making significant savings across its sports coverage – but the troubled network may consider a bid for the popular Lineker to be a sound investment.