Ryan Seacrest In Early Talks To Replace Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortun

Ryan Seacrest is a candidate to take the reins from the outgoing Pat Sajak as the next host of "Wheel of Fortune" ... and we've learned discussions are in the very early stages. Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Ryan is an option to replace Pat and he's been talking to Sony about

ryan seacrest Getty Composite

Ryan Seacrest is a candidate to take the reins from the outgoing Pat Sajak as the next host of "Wheel of Fortune" ... and we've learned discussions are in the very early stages.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Ryan is an option to replace Pat and he's been talking to Sony about potentially taking over for the retiring host. We're told Ryan has some time in his schedule now to possibly make this work, as he's no longer on "LIVE with Kelly and Ryan."

Wheel of Fortune Everett Collection

Sony owns "Wheel of Fortune" and there are reports about a field of unnamed candidates ... though it's unclear who is on the list aside from Ryan. Bloomberg was the first to report Seacrest was a possibility.

ryan seacrest merv griffin Merv Griffin Entertainment

What's also interesting ... Ryan was a longtime pal of the late Merv Griffin, who created 'Wheel' -- so you gotta wonder if that factor is helping to propel Ryan's interest.

Wheel of Fortune Everett Collection

As we reported ... Pat announced this week he was going to step down as host in 2024 after 41 seasons running point on "Wheel of Fortune." Pat was hired as the host way back in 1981 by Merv.

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Ryan, of course, has tons of experience hosting TV shows ... he was the original host of "American Idol" in its heyday and also hosted 'Live' with Kelly Ripa ... so he would make a lot of sense here.

Pat Sajak on 'Wheel Of Fortune' Gallery Launch Gallery Pat Sajak on 'Wheel Of Fortune' Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

Ryan's rep declined to comment.

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