Anna Foster is set to be named as the new host of Today programme, replacing Mishal Husain, who left the broadcaster in December.

The journalist, 45, currently fronts the BBC's News at One and was the Corporation's Beirut-based Middle East correspondent.

According to reports, radio bosses are said to have been impressed by Foster who presented the drive time programme on Radio 5 Live for nearly a decade.

The mum-of-two will join the Today line-up of broadcasters which includes Nick Robinson, Justin Webb, Amol Rajan and Emma Barnett.

"Anna is not necessarily a household name yet, but she is very well respected at the BBC, a cool head under pressure and seen as both professional and able to engage listeners - making difficult subjects interesting," a BBC source told The Sunday Times.

She is believed to have beat several other high-profile journalists for the role including Europe editor Katya Adler, and her North America counterpart Sarah Smith.

Others also pipped for the job included ITV's Julie Etchingham and Sky's Sophy Ridge.

Husain stunned BBC colleagues and listeners alike when she announced her departure from the broadcaster after 26 years.

The stalwart host, who joined the broadcaster in 1998, has also presented the BBC News at Six and Ten, as well its news channels.

The 51-year-old said in a statement that her BBC career had "involved many memorable moments, going to places I would never otherwise have seen, witnessing history and being part of live, national conversation on Radio 4".

She added: "I will always be grateful for the opportunities the BBC gave me, and wish the organisation and everyone who is part of it the very best."

When her exit was announced, Nomia Iqbal, the BBC's North America correspondent, said: "To say Mishal Husain is a huge loss for the BBC doesn't come close."

She had presented Radio 4's Today programme for 11 years.