NBC will name Chuck Todd the new host of “Meet the Press” as soon as Thursday afternoon, according to a new report by CNN’s Brian Stelter which was confirmed by Politico's Dylan Byers.

The sources confirmed widespread speculation that David Gregory, who moderated the show for the past six years, will be replaced by Todd, and is expected to leave NBC.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the record. One said that the transition will be swift -- so swift that Gregory will not even host "Meet the Press" this weekend.

If not Thursday, the change will be announced no later than Friday, the sources said.

At approximately 4:00PM EDT David Gregory confirmed the rumors via twitter:

There has been speculation about Gregory's fate for months, driven by the “Meet the Press” ratings collapse since David Gregory replaced the late Tim Russert in late 2008.

Earlier this week, TruthRevolt reported that a post from Mike Allen of Politico said Todd was the "likely successor" to Gregory and that the change was "expected to be announced in coming weeks." That report may have driven the network to make the announcement immediately.

UPDATE: NBC News president Deborah Turness followed up Gregory's announcement via tweet with the memo below sent to the network's staff:

Dear All,

I want to share some news about Meet the Press. After an exceptional 20 years with NBC News, David Gregory is leaving the network.

I want to express my sincerest thanks to David, who, after the death of Tim Russert, led Meet the Press for almost 6 years. Under his leadership the show has had a string of exclusives, and David has shown a remarkable gift for holding leaders to account and getting answers on issues that matter to our audience. He is an outstanding journalist whose sharp intellect and quick sense of humor have made him a pleasure to work with. I know you all join me in expressing our deepest gratitude and in wishing him the very best.

I am very pleased to announce that Chuck Todd will take the helm on September 7. There is no one with a bigger passion for politics than Chuck. His unique ability to deliver that passion with razor sharp analysis and infectious enthusiasm makes him the perfect next generation moderator of this beloved broadcast. Chuck will ensure that Meet the Press is the beating heart of politics, the place where newsmakers come to make news, where the agenda is set. We have some exciting plans to evolve and update the broadcast under Chuck's leadership that we will be sharing with you shortly.

Chuck will continue as NBC News political director, and will hand over his roles as chief White House correspondent and anchor of MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown.

Andrea Mitchell will serve as moderator of Meet the Press this weekend, and will continue to be a central figure of the broadcast, along with some new names that we will announce in the coming days.

For nearly seventy years, Americans have turned to Meet the Press on Sunday mornings for unrivaled insights on the news stories, political battles and public affairs debates dominating the national discussion. The next-generation Meet the Press, led by Chuck Todd, is certain to be the must-watch political destination on Sundays and beyond.

Deborah