After an injury curtailed 2016 season, Federer bounced back in impressive style this year.

The Swiss star won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and five other titles, ending the campaign with a win-loss record of 52-5.

Federer has won the BBC Overseas Sports Personality award three times in the past and would become the first sportsman to win on four occasions.

The 36-year-old is joined on the shortlist by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who won his fifth Super Bowl as he led his side to a 34-28 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

American Katie Ledecky cemented her position as one of swimming’s greats when she won six medals, five of them gold at the World Championships in Budapest.

After four years off the track due to injuries, Australian Sally Pearson won gold in the women's 100m hurdles at the World Championships in London.

Michael van Gerwen won his second PDC World Darts Championship with a victory over Gary Anderson.

The Dutchman also won a third successive Masters and Grand Slam of Darts, a fourth European Championship and a second Premier League title.

In the world Para-athletics Championships in London, American wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden won T54 titles in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m.

The 28-year-old had struggled throughout the year with severe blood clots in both legs which required her to undergo surgery.

The winner will be announced by the BBC ahead of the awards show on December 17.