Gary Lineker has brutally cracked down on Micah Richards amid suggestions the popular pundit could succeed him as Match of the Day host.

Speculation is rife over who will succeed Lineker after it emerged he will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season after 25 years in the hot seat.

Former Manchester City defender Richards has received widespread praise for his expert work in recent years, both for Sky Sports and the BBC.

Both Lineker and Richards appeared on The Rest Is Football podcast with West Ham striker Michail Antonio.

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

Speaking on The rest is footballAntonio said, “Micah is trying to take your job.”

Gary Lineker has brutally criticized Micah Richards for his chances of hosting Match of the Day.

Richards has been linked to the hosting job after it emerged Lineker would leave

Richards was eager to downplay such suggestions, saying, “You know what, can I just put this out there, right.”

“When people say that Micah Richards is potentially going to take over a presenter, I think that’s a huge disrespect to all presenters. There are so many talented people.

“Just because I’m an expert, I can give insight to a player, I feel like I know the game, I look at the tactics.

“But to return to presenting one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that the BBC has ever had?”

Antonio then responded by saying: “Blah, blah, blah, stop trying, buddy.”

Richards later indicated he wouldn’t even be in the running for the job: “Look what he’s trying to do? “There are so many others they can come after me, I just can’t believe they would even put my name in the hat.”

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

He said, “Micah, you can totally relax. I can assure you they won’t ask you.

West Ham striker Michail Antonio joked Richards was trying to take Lineker’s job

Lineker joked that Richards could relax as there was “zero chance” he would be contacted

Match Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman has also been linked to Lineker’s position

Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman has been linked to the role, with presenters Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers also in the running.

Football fans would like to see recurring Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer host the show, as he received 22 per cent of the vote, according to a poll by market research firm Ipsos.

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

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

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