"We've been extremely impressed by the calibre of the candidates we have spoken to and we hope to be in a position to update you further early next week."

Steve Clarke left to take over as Scotland manager on May 21, just 24 hours after leading Killie to a third-place finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Names attracting bets include David Moyes, Gary Holt, Simon Grayson and Gianluca Conte, the brother and long-time assistant of former Italy and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

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