Nick Grimshaw is expected to stay at the helm of the Radio 1 breakfast show even if he joins ITV as a judge on the X Factor.
The DJ, who has presented the BBC station's flagship programme since 2012, is in line to take the place left open on the ITV talent show when long-time judge Louis Walsh departed.
Show supremo Simon Cowell said he wants a judge who "loves" music on the panel.
The Sun reported Cowell saying: "Nick loves artists and music, that's what I love about him."
Grimshaw took over the Radio 1 breakfast show from Chris Moyles three years ago but has lost hundreds of thousands of listeners as the station has attempted to attract a younger audience.
It is understood the BBC has no plans to replace him if he joins the ITV singing show and wants him to stay.
Another name in the running to join the X Factor is Rita Ora - who has appeared as a judge on the BBC's rival show, The Voice.
Cowell has poached talent from his rivals before, notably taking Alesha Dixon from Strictly Come Dancing to Britain's Got Talent.