Who could be Donald Trump's vice president?

It's an increasingly frenzied search in which a host of candidates is brutally whittled down to one final lucky winner.

But this isn't Donald Trump's Apprentice television show but his hunt for a running mate who can help him to become the next president of America.

The Republican presumptive nominee has embarked on a flurry of meetings with some of the top potentials for the job after pledging to unveil his choice of vice president on Friday.

Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he is looking for "fighter skilled in hand-to-hand combat".

ITV News looks at some of the contenders.

  • Newt Gingrich

In the running: potential VP candidate Newt Gingrich compared the race to The Apprentice Credit: Reuters

The former Speaker of the Us House of Representatives is one of the top picks for the job.

Despite being perceived as a fellow rabble-rouser as opposed to a peacemaker who could smooth over Trump's bombastic style, his extensive governing experience would make him a welcome choice among many Republicans.

Mr Gingrich has likened the search to Mr Trump's television show in comments to Fox News Channel.

"It's a little bit like The Apprentice - you find out sooner or later who the last one standing is."

  • Mike Pence

Mike Pence: Seen as a steady choice Credit: Reuters

Indiana governor Mike Pence is also said to be among the top three candidates being mulled by Trump.

A steady, staunch conservative, he is seen as a potentially calming influence on Mr Trump's impulsive style.

At a recent rally in Westfield, Indiana, the mogul made clear that Mr Pence was in the running.

"I don't know whether he's going to be your governor or your vice president," he said.

  • Chris Christie

A safe pair of hands: Chris Christie would be a popular choice among Republicans Credit: Reuters

The New Jersey governor is said to be among the top three candidates being mulled by Trump as a running mate.

He initially started out a rival candidate in the Republican presidential race but has since become one of the mogul's most trusted allies.

Mr Christie, who dropped out of the race in February, later threw his weight behind Trump and was picked to lead his White House 'transition' team.

  • Jeff Sessions

Jeff Sessions: Seen as an outsider in the race Credit: Reuters

The Alabama senator is not widely seen as one of the best-placed to land the VP position, but Mr Trump has said he was still in the running.

He told the Wall Street Journal that Mr Sessions, his top US Senate advocate, is also still in the mix for the job.

He was also seen leaving a hotel where Trump has been holding top-level meetings with some of his finalists.

However Republican members are likely to prefer Mr Pence and Mr Gingrich as a nominee.