The Premier League's search for a new chief executive appears to have been dealt another setback following reports that a second person has turned down the chance to take up the role.
Susanna Dinnage had been announced as the successor to Richard Scudamore, with the plan that she would step into her new position early in 2019.
However, in December it was confirmed Dinnage would not be taking up the position, instead remaining with TV giant Discovery, where she is global president of its Animal Planet brand.
Now a report in the Financial Times claims that senior BBC executive Tim Davie had become favourite for the role following Dinnage's unexpected withdrawal, but decided against moving discussions any further.
Davie is the chief executive of commercial division BBC Studios and was acting director-general of the BBC from November 2012 to April 2013.
A subsequent report on the BBC website said Davie "told his team he is staying in his role".
Scudamore has run English football's top flight since 1999, but last year announced his intention to step down as its executive chairman.
The Premier League has interim measures in place as the recruitment process continues.
A statement from the Premier League issued following Dinnage's decision said: "The committee has reconvened its search and is talking to candidates. There will be no further comment until an appointment is made."
