Jeff Stelling ‘in talks with two huge broadcasters about new role’ weeks after stepping down from Sky Sports

It's claimed Amazon chiefs are eager to have him head up their growing footie coverage.

They will, however, have to wait a while to secure Stelling's services as he must first see out a period of gardening leave before he can join one of Sky's immediate rivals.

Stelling emotionally announced his departure from Sky on air in late April.

The beloved broadcaster received a thunderous applause from the in-studio pundits and the camera crew.

He said: "I've been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.

"It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.

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"It's been a lot of fun - for me at least!"

Sky paid a touching tribute to the now-departed Stelling after his departure was announced.

Director of Football, Gary Hughes, said: "After a brilliant 30-plus year career at Sky, including over 25 years as the much-loved host of Soccer Saturday, Jeff Stelling is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the current football season.

"Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.

"His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.

"Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades.

"Exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.

"His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.

"He will be sorely missed."