$$$$ Details Must Be Ironed Out With Ann

There's been intense speculation about the identity of the anchorette to succeed Ann Curry as Matt Lauer's sidekick on Today. Would it be the glamour girl with the attorney background, Savannah Guthrie? Or would it be Kathie Lee's chatty co-host who won over a nation with her triumph over breast cancer, Hoda Kotb? Now it seems we know.

Savannah Guthrie Replaces Curry

TMZ reports NBC is trying to get its new golden girl, Savannah Guthrie, "in" and push Ann "out" before the Olympics.

But it appears there's a little paperwork that needs to be done before that happens.

Though TMZ noted Tuesday morning that 40-year-old Savannah has already signed on the dotted line as the new co-host, Ann's $$$ fate is still up in the air.

Reportedly, Ann wants $20 million from NBC -- not the $10 million the peacock network is reportedly giving her.

Curry allegedly wants the $20 mil as she's only one year into a three-year contract where she gets $10 million annually.

So that's where the $20 mil is coming from.

But, apparently, that's a tough, $20 million pill to swallow -- and NBC isn't budging.

To get Ann (and her lawyer) to shut it, the network wants to give her the $10 million, as originally reported, and a plum foreign correspondent's gig.

If they were to give her the full $20 million, she'd also be given her exit papers and would not be able to work anywhere else for two years.

Aye, there's the rub again.

Those close to the network say they want to get this Curry/lawyer debacle settled. Stat. The plan is to officially announce Savannah as Matt Lauer's right-hand woman either later this week or early next week.

The only standout contender for the gig in recent days appeared to be Hoda Kotb.

But insiders speculate Kotb, who gained prominence in hard news circles on Dateline, was harmed careerwise by the all-out, alcoholic gabfest that is the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee.

What do you think about NBC's choice?

Image courtesy of PNP/WENN.com

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Comments on "Insiders: Savannah Guthrie to replace Ann Curry on Today"

carol June 27, 2012 | 5:55 AM

I have watched the today show since Jane Pawley days. When Ann arrived as co-host, I switched to GMA and enjoy it. Ann is horrible at interviewing.

Annette June 26, 2012 | 11:05 AM

I've watched for yrs, even before Matt, but will stop when Savannah and Matt take over, Ann and Natalie are only bright spot of show. The man and Savannah are suited for each other. Matt needs to realize the show is not all about him. He needs to get over himself! I will now watch GMA!

Caitlin June 26, 2012 | 10:03 AM

I think Savannah Guthrie will make an excellent co-host, but I feel bad for Ann! She's had to stay back at 30 Rock for all the Olympics in the past, and she's been a staple on the Today Show for as long as I can remember. I hope NBC and her work everything out and she gets the send-off she deserves.

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