Jeremy Clarkson was forced to hand over the keys of “Top Gear” to the BBC after punching a producer earlier this year, but the disgraced host may be back on the road within weeks.
Netflix, Amazon and ITV are all vying for Clarkson to park on their network, with a new car-themed show expected to be unveiled within weeks, according to the Guardian.
Clarkson is set to reunite with former “Top Gear” co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May, as the networks battle to sign the trio.
“They have had offers and they are close to making a decision about what they want to do,” an insider told the Guardian.
Clarkson was fired by the BBC in March following a suspension for verbally abusing producer Oisin Tymon and then launching a 30-second physical assault on him.
The controversial host, who is infamous for his politically incorrect comments, had already received a “final warning” from the BBC for using a racist slur during filming last year.
The 54-year-old’s volatile personality might put off streaming service Netflix, which is understood to have held internal discussions about the risks of taking him on and whether it would spark subscriber backlash.
Wherever his show lands, it will need a new name as “Top Gear” is owned by the BBC.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Chris Evans — a BBC Radio 2 DJ, not the Captain America actor — will take over as the host of “Top Gear” with an all-new lineup.