Livingston midfielder Marvin Bartley is in advanced talks to replace Jim Duffy as Ayr United manager.
The Honest Men parted company with David Hopkin after a difficult start to the season which left them off the bottom of the Championship only on goal difference.
Duffy stepped up from his assistant role to replace him but lasted just three months before he was also let go.
That sparked the hunt for a third manager of the season and Record Sport understands Bartley is close to taking on the role.
The Livingston club captain was appointed assistant manager to David Martindale in the summer, having previously been in charge of the reserve team.
It's understood Bartley is in talks with the Somerset Park powerbrokers with a view to being named their new manager in the coming days.
Ayr are currently ninth in the Championship, two points above basement side Morton, and haven't won since October 16.
They face a tough run of games over the coming weeks, playing three of the top four as well as travelling to Rugby Park for the Ayrshire derby with Kilmarnock.
