TMZ says MARIE OSMOND will replace SARA GILBERT on “The Talk” . . . and the official announcement will be made on next Tuesday’s show.

Marie has been on the show more than 50 times over the past seven years . . . as both a guest and a fill-in co-host.  But this would be a permanent thing.

Supposedly, her hiring was NOT unanimous.  The show’s bosses were hot on her because the ratings spiked when she was on.  But the other co-hosts wanted someone younger and edgier to take the spot.