David Martindale has told Jaze Kabia his future lies away from Livingston.

The Irish winger has returned to Almondvale from a loan spell with Morton but could now leave the Lions on a permanent deal this month.

The 22-year-old joined Livi on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Shelbourne in January 2021 and made his debut in the 2-2 draw with Celtic days later.

But, despite Martindale still claiming he has ‘a lot of potential’, Kabia has failed to make as big an impact as hoped for and is likely to depart before the transfer deadline.

Martindale said: “Jaze is back and his agent has a few options for him, and I’ve got a few options as well.

“He’s been told it’s probably in his best interests to get out and play football.

“He went to Morton and did okay to start with but fell out of the team later on.

“They asked if we could take him back because they’ve got someone else they want to bring in.

“I do have a bit of interest in Jaze. He’s still a young player and I think he’s got a lot of potential.

“But Jaze’s career is probably away from Livingston, if I’m honest.”

READ MORE: Bartley named Queen of the South manager as he departs Livingston

Whilst Kabia looks set to leave, Livi are poised to complete a move for defender Luiyi De Lucas.

The Dominican Republic internationalist impressed as a trialist during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Turkey last month and has returned to Scotland in a bid to tie up the loose ends of a contract.

A deal is agreed for the 28-year-old, but there remains red tape to cut through to complete his capture as Martindale readies himself for the possible departure of Jack Fitzwater this month.

He added: “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.

“It means if I do lose someone in that area of the park I’ve got cover in the building.”