ITV is preparing a bid to buy back Premier League highlights from the BBC once the current Match of the Day deal expires in 2016.

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The commercial broadcaster has refused to comment, but the channel is reported to be planning a bid once the current BBC deal expires after the 2015-16 season.

ITV last held the rights to Premier League highlights from 2001-4, but Match of the Day seemed secure this season as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Under the current deal, the BBC pays £60 million per year for an exclusive terrestrial package of Premier League highlights. But ITV will be able to table their own proposals from 2016-17.

ITV is losing its live Champions League matches next season after BT Sport paid £897 million for exclusive rights to Europe's premier football tournament.

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Former Match of the Day 2 presenter Adrian Chiles is ITV's main football anchor, and currently presents England internationals and Champions League football on ITV.

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Gary Lineker heads up the BBC's flagship highlights show Match of the Day, with Match of the Day and digital crossover MOTD2 Extra presented by Mark Chapman.

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