It has long been rumoured that axed Today host Karl Stefanovic has his sights set on relocating to America. And now things may be falling into place for the 44-year-old TV star. It was revealed on Monday that veteran Australian journalist Robert Penfold, 68, has stepped down from his role as Nine's US bureau chief, sparking rumours that Karl might be up for the coveted gig. New gig? Karl Stefanovic (pictured) could become Nine's US bureau chief as veteran Australian journalist Robert Penfold, 68, steps down from the coveted role According to Nine News, Robert will finish reporting full-time in July, but will still work part-time with the network after being with Nine for 43 years. 'I leave with many wonderful memories and experiences and I am thankful for the extraordinary opportunities that the job as Nine's foreign correspondent provided,' Robert said in part of a statement as the news broke. He added: 'But it is time to take a breather.' 'The job necessarily makes for an unpredictable life and all this can only be achieved with a very understanding partner and my wife Shar has certainly been that, and more, over the last 45 years.' Stepping down: According to Nine News, Robert (pictured) will finish reporting full-time in July, but will still work part-time with the network, having been with Nine for 43 years In 2017 meanwhile, a Nine 'insider' reportedly told New Idea that Karl was eyeing up Robert's job. 'Karl wants (Nine's US bureau chief) Robert Penfold's job,' the source said. 'He knows he would need to take a pay cut, but would love to relocate to the US as Nine's correspondent.' Rumours: In 2017 meanwhile, a Nine 'insider' reportedly told New Idea that Karl was eyeing up Robert's job (seen on Today with former co-host, Georgie Gardner) 'He wants to get away from it all': Daily Mail Australia previously reported meanwhile, that Karl had his sights set on escaping the country long before his wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough, 34, in December (pictured with Jasmine) Daily Mail Australia previously reported meanwhile, that Karl had his sights set on escaping the country long before his wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough, 34, in December. Before he was dropped from Today, the embattled journalist confided in friends that he was considering 'going away for a while'. At the time, he was feeling increasingly 'strained' due to the media scrutiny surrounding his engagement to the shoe designer. Claims: 'Ideally, he would like a job at Channel Nine's U.S. bureau. He loves America and Jasmine lived in Los Angeles for years while working as a model,' a source said 'He wants to get away from it all, he's getting tired of all the attention he gets in Sydney,' said a source familiar with Karl's thoughts at the time. 'Ideally, he would like a job at Channel Nine's U.S. bureau. He loves America and Jasmine lived in Los Angeles for years while working as a model.' Karl was unceremoniously dumped as co-host of Today in December, while on his honeymoon with wife Jasmine. However the father-of-three remains with Nine and is set to appear as host on the show, This Time Next Year, which will air in coming months. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Nine for comment, in relation to this story. Where to next? Karl was unceremoniously dumped as co-host of Today in December, while on his honeymoon with wife Jasmine. However the father-of-three remains with Nine and is set to appear as host on the show, This Time Next Year, which will air in coming monthsAll rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility