Livingston have whittled down their search for a new manager to “three or four prime candidates”.

The Lions’ hunt for a new boss is about to enter its third week after David Hopkin rejected a new deal on May 31, just 11 days after guiding the West Lothian outfit to the Premiership with a play-off victory over Partick Thistle.

Former Celtic and Wales striker John Hartson, who is a part-time forwards coach at Livingston, Hoops legend Henrik Larsson and former Morton boss Jim Duffy are among the names linked with the vacancy.

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A club statement read: “We are progressing well after sifting through a mountain of applications.

“Talks are ongoing with 3-4 prime candidates, and we will provide an update as and when we feel we have the best fit for the club installed.”

Assistant manager David Martindale is overseeing the recruitment drive, with club director John Ward having admitted the new boss will not be allowed to bring in his own staff.

Ex-Morton defender Ricki Lamie became the club’s fourth new summer signing on Sunday, following in the footsteps of Craig SIbbald, Steven Saunders and Liam Kelly.

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The statement added: “As previously stated, the potential manager will fit into the club’s existing structure. This will allow us to continue to recruit and prepare for pre-season, safe in the knowledge we won’t be jumping into a situation we may regret in months to come.

“This method has served us well in previous seasons, albeit we have had a manager in place.”