Exclusive: Livi boss Hopkin on Dundee United’s radar.

Livi boss would be keen on switch to Tannadice

David Hopkin has emerged as one of the favourites for the Dundee United manager’s job.

Courier Sport can reveal that the Livingston boss is on chairman Stephen Thompson’s radar and is in with a serious chance of replacing Ray Mckinnon.

Thompson couldn’t have failed to be impressed with the former Scotland international’s work with Livi, who are currently one place above the Tangerines in third place.

After guiding them to the League One title last season, Hopkin’s side have become Championship promotion contenders on a budget more suited to fighting relegation.

And Thompson was a spectator when United were well beaten by Livi just a couple of weeks ago.

It is understood that Hopkin would be keen to make the switch and compensation would not be prohibitive.

Hopkin will command dressing room respect on the back of his title win and the team he has put together at West Lothian, as well as his playing credentials, which included spells at Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Leeds United. His reputation in the game is of a pragmatic, thorough manager.

The big box that isn’t ticked is experience, which Thompson would ideally want given United’s need to secure promotion this season. The likes of John Hughes and Jim Mcintyre have that over him.