Ryan Seacrest Could Replace Matt Lauer as 'Today' Co-Host

NBC could soon be ready for "Seacrest, IN" at "Today."

Entertainment Weekly and the Wall Street Journal report that the "American Idol" and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" host started talks Tuesday morning with NBC executives about joining the morning show's evolving lineup, should Matt Lauer depart soon.

Lauer has co-hosted the live Times Square-based morning show since 1997, but has hinted that he's probably done by December 2012, EW previously reported.

NBC brass, of course, aren't fanning any rumor's flames right now.

"There seems to be an awful lot of speculation around news anchors these days, and it’s not our practice to comment on any of it. Matt Lauer has a long term contract with NBC News and 'Today'," a "Today" has stated.

Lauer started his co-hosting duties alongside Katie Couric, but now anchors it alongside Ann Curry, who replaced former "The View" co-host Meredith Vieira earlier this year after Vieira's own departure.

If Seacrest bolts, "American Idol" might not be the only show with a vacancy. The multi-media personality, who's probably equally famous for being former "Idol" judge Simon Cowell's verball whipping boy, also hosts a daily show on E! that will need either tending with a replacement or cancelled completely.

Meanwhile, Seacrest's latest season as the face of "American Idol" Jan. 22.

Tell us what you think: should Lauer leave, what should Seacrest do? Should he - or would he - leave "Idol?" Should he stick with his cushy gig on FOX? As a dark-horse option, is he better suited to hosting his E! show? Let us know in the comments section.