Livingston look to keep hold of David Hopkin as Shrewsbury Town consider potential Paul Hurst replacements
Livingston have moved to keep hold of David Hopkin after Shrewsbury Town admitted he could be a contender to replace Paul Hurst as boss.
Hurst is poised to be announced as the new Ipswich Town manager after the two clubs agreed a compensation package on Monday.
Reports suggest former Scotland midfielder Hopkin could be of interest once the Yorkshireman's departure from Montgomery Waters Meadow is confirmed.
And Town chief executive Brian Caldwell said: "I'm open to a number of number of options just now. David's done well at Livingston on a very limited budget. So, from that point of view, yes, that's of interest to me.
"It's somebody that can punch above his weight in a the same way as Paul does and David's done an incredible job at Livingston in the last couple of years taking them into the Scottish Premiership.
"I'm not saying that he's one of the ones who's definitely going to be there. All I'm saying is that I'm open to looking at suggestions and, if and when Paul goes, the chairman and I will sit down and discuss all the attributes of each individual we want.
"There's not much we can really do until we know Paul has signed on the dotted line, but we'll try to appoint as soon as we possibly can.
"He's going to be a hard act to follow. We punched above our weight, but we have a nucleus of a squad and will be an attractive proposition to managers."
Having taken charge of Livington in December 2015, former Leeds midfielder Hopkin was unable to prevent relegation to League One.
But he has led the West Lothian club to successive promotions and they return to the top flight after finishing runners-up to St Mirren and winning a play-off against Partick Thistle.
"David has been open and honest with the board and verified that he has had other interest," Livingston said in a statement.
"A budget and offer have been put to him. We are very hopeful that he will see his future at Livingston FC.
"The club has held talks with David with a view to retaining him as manager and building on the remarkable success we have enjoyed during his time here.
"He heads off on holiday on Wednesday and will use that time to reflect and come to a decision on his future."
Hopkin has also been linked with St Mirren, who are seeking a replacement for Jack Ross after his departure to Sunderland, and League Two outfit Carlisle who are looking for a successor to Keith Curle.
