NBC is eyeing “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest as a potential replacement for “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Several high-ranking NBC execs, including “Today” show executive producer Jim Bell and NBC News president Steve Capus, met with Seacrest Tuesday night to discuss the possibility, according to the report.

Lauer’s contract expires Dec. 31, 2012, but industry insiders believe he wants to remain with TV’s top-rated morning show.

In addition to hosting “Idol,” Seacrest has a programming empire on NBC sister network E! and produces “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” among many other shows. He also hosts an LA-based radio show.

Seacrest’s deal with NBC is set to expire early next year, according to the report. If he replaced Lauer, he would be taking a big pay cut from what he earns from his “Idol,” E! and his radio gigs — and he’d have to move to New York.

But insiders say NBC execs are trying to get Seacrest onto the network in one form or another.

A spokesman for Seacrest declined to comment on the “Today” show but told The Journal that talks with NBC are ongoing.

NBC officials declined to comment.