Channel Seven's top-end news talent are being 'head-hunted' by rival networks amid major TV shake-up

In the wake of a major shake-up at Channel Seven, claims have emerged that rival networks are eyeing some of its most high-profile news and current affairs stars.

Following state political reporter Sharnelle Vella's surprising departure to ABC Radio Melbourne, rivals have 'become aware' that some of the newsroom's top talent may be up for grabs, according to the Herald Sun.

Although the publication does not specify which stars are on the radar of headhunters, it suggests that there will be 'more headhunting and poaching' in the coming week.

These claims emerge as part of the huge changes within the Seven newsroom, particularly after Tim Watson announced his retirement after three decades with the network.

It is expected that newsreader Rebecca Maddern will be announced as the replacement for the veteran Seven News sports anchor.

She will shift from her current role on weekends to reading sports from Monday to Friday.

Maddern is currently the co-presenter of 7News at 4pm on weekends alongside Mike Amor.

The proposed switch would have her reading sports news from Monday to Friday. 

The network's new presenter, Karina Carvalho, who recently joined from ABC, is a potential candidate to take over Maddern's weekend role.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment. 

This change comes after Seven's boss, Kerry Stokes, hosted several high-profile 7News stars at his multi-million dollar waterfront mansion in Darling Point.

Among the attendees were Spotlight star Liam Bartlett and 7News Sydney weekend anchors Michael Usher and Angie Asimus.

Watson announced during Monday night's bulletin that his time at 7News Melbourne is coming to an end, after nearly three decades with Channel Seven. 

Anchor Peter Mitchell kicked off the announcement by saying: 'Before you go, Tim. You've got some breaking news of your own.'

'Yes, Mitch, I am finishing up in December. I'll work almost up to Christmas. It's been almost 30 years I've been working here,' Watson replied.

'I've enjoyed every moment of it. Love working alongside you, but all good things come to an end.'

Later, Watson took to socials to expand on his brief farewell.

'I have enjoyed the best job in the world at a network that has been incredibly supportive,' Watson said.

'Surrounded by dedicated and talented people who work hard every day to produce the best news bulletins, it's been a privilege and a pleasure to be invited into people's homes to deliver the sporting news.'

The veteran broadcaster's announcement follows another shake-up at the network, with Sharnelle Vella announcing her shock defection to the ABC.

This week, the network's political reporter informed her newsroom boss that she would be departing for the national broadcaster at the end of the month, giving them only a few weeks to find her replacement.

This announcement follows her prominent appearance on Seven's flagship investigative program, Spotlight, in August, where she secured an exclusive interview with the troubled former CFMEU boss, John Setka. 

The popular reporter, who has spent seven years at the network, plans to spend the coming weeks farewelling her colleagues and friends before taking some time out over the summer and starting in her new role with ABC Radio Melbourne.

The switch will see her team up with former Western Bulldogs skipper Bob Murphy as part of an overhaul of the station's breakfast show, replacing outgoing host Samuel Jonathan McMillan, aka 'Sammy J', who announced he his departure on Wednesday.