Alan Shearer has jokingly said that Micah Richards being one of the favourites to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day is 'massively concerning'.
Lineker's future with the BBC remains uncertain with speculation rife as he enters the final year of his contract.
The 63-year-old played into the rumours on the weekend when he opened his Match of the Day programme by saying it would be his "final show... before the international break".
He has since revealed negotiations with the BBC are now underway having previously stated his desire to continue working with the broadcaster.
Gary Lineker's future remains uncertain
PA
But he was able to make light of the situation with his colleagues Richards and Shearer while appearing on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast.
Shearer jokingly likened speculation surrounding Lineker's future to Liverpool's contract situation with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.
"I think there is one significant difference - the Liverpool fans really care about those three!" Lineker said.
"It's been a strange few days. As you know, like Trent, like Virgil, like Mo, I'm coming to the end of my contract in the summer, so it's natural at some point you have conversations, and they've just started.
“I don’t know why it all spiralled out of control, but all is OK. I believe you’re in a similar predicament, you two as well. Perhaps you’ll have the Daily Mail on your doorstep tomorrow.
“Now that they know that. I’m more concerned actually about my cold. I started feeling not very well on the way home last night. Terrible throat and phlegmy and yuck.”
Richards then poked fun at his own chances of potentially taking over from Lineker as the Match of the Day presenter: "What's more concerning, I'm 4/1 to replace ya!"
Lineker smiled as he gave his backing for the former Manchester City full-back to take on the role.
Alan Shearer joked about Micah Richards' chances of replacing Gary Lineker
RESTISFOOTBALLHowever, Shearer joked that he wasn't so keen at the prospect of seeing Richards sit in Lineker's chair.
He said: "That is a massive concern.
"I'm not signing my new contract if you're the presenter, by the way."
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Micah Richards is among the favourites to take the Match of the Day gig
RESTISFOOTBALLJermaine Jenas was previously the favourite to replace Lineker, who had publicly backed the 41-year-old as his successor.
But Jenas was sacked by the BBC in August after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a female colleague.
Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are currently seen as the favourites should Lineker step down.