Gary Lineker has delivered a brutal putdown to Micah Richards amid suggestions that the popular pundit could succeed him as Match of the Day host.

Speculation is rife regarding who will succeed Lineker after it emerged that he will leave his position as Match of the Day host at the end of the season after 25 years in the hotseat.

Former Manchester City defender Richards has received much praise for his work as a pundit in recent years both for Sky Sports and the BBC.

Lineker and Richards both appeared on The Rest Is Football podcast along with West Ham forward Michail Antonio. 

Antonio wasted no time in discussing the possibility of Richards taking over. 

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Antonio claimed: 'Micah's trying to take your job'. 

Richards was eager to play down such suggestions as he said: 'You know what, can I just get this out there, right.

'When people are saying Micah Richards is potentially going to take over a presenter, I think it's a massive disrespect to all the presenters out there. There's so many talented people.

'Just because I'm a pundit, I can give insight to a player, I feel I know the game, I watch tactics.

'But to take over presenting one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that BBC's ever had?'

Antonio then responded by saying: 'Blah, blah, blah, stop trying it, mate.'

Richards subsequently indicated that he wouldn't even be in contention for the job as he said: 'Look at what he's trying to do? 'There's so many others they can pick over me, I just can't believe they would even put my name in the hat.'

Lineker then delivered a brutal putdown to Richards which left the trio in hysterics. 

He said: 'Micah, you can totally relax. I can assure you they won't be asking you.' 

Mark Chapman, the host of Match of the Day 2, has been linked with the position, with female presenters Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers also reportedly in contention.

According to a poll carried out by market research company Ipsos, football fans would like to see recurring Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer host the show ass he received 22 per cent of votes.

Lineker is set to receive a payday after the BBC revealed a one-year licensing deal to host two podcasts made by his production company.

BBC Sounds will host the Rest Is Football, which is fronted by Lineker, Richards and Shearer.

Lineker's company Goalhanger Productions also oversees The Rest Is History, presented by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook,