David Martindale is confident that new centre-back Luiyi de Lucas will have his move confirmed in the coming days.
The Dominican Republic defender underwent his Home Office interview on Tuesday having arrived in Scotland last week.
The 28-year-old, previously with FC Haka in Finland, earned a deal with the Lions following a successful trial spell which included the club’s winter camp in Turkey.
Martindale admits he expects de Lucas and fellow new arrival Steven Bradley to be the extent of his winter shopping.
He said: “I’ve brought two in and done my work early. I’m more than happy with that. De Lucas will give us cover at the back right now if we were to lose Jack Fitzwater in January.
“If I can get Kurtis Guthrie back and Joel Nouble back then I’m more than happy with what I’ve got in the offensive third. It allows me to play a few different formations and change the formations in games by just changing the personnel. I’m delighted with what I’ve got there.
“Fitz is probably the most obvious target in terms of him being out of contract in the summer. I probably need to look at that one a bit closer and that’s why De Lucas has been brought in, to give me a wee bit of cover in that area and make sure it remains competitive and healthy.
“But it means if I do lose someone in that area of the park I’ve got cover in the building."
Martindale heaped praise on defender Morgan Boyes after the Welsh under-21 international has made the most of his opportunities in the first team and hinted that there will be exits this window at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
The gaffer has already said winger Jaze Kabia could be leaving while a move away for Russian keeper Ivan Konovalov looks likely.
He said: "Morgan Boyes has had an opportunity of late and he’s come in and really kicked on. I’m really happy with Morgan’s progression as well. So, I’m more than covered in all areas of the park with the two I’ve brought in.
“I can only strip 20 players, so there’s two or three boys in the building who I think need to be looking elsewhere to be getting that game-time.
“I’ve spoken to them, whether that’s for their own career to get out on a permanent deal or whether that’s to make sure they come back to Livingston in the summer with another 20-25 games under their belt and they’ve made progress.
“Sitting in the stand and not playing football I don’t think helps anyone."
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