St Johnstone turn to Simo Valakari as Tiernan Lynch OUT of race to replace Craig Levein

The Riga boss is the next on the list to replace Craig Levein

St Johnstone have made a move to land former Motherwell player Simo Valakari as their next manager.

The Perth side are looking to seal a deal to land the Riga boss. They had opened talks with Larne boss Tiernan Lynch but have been unable to agree personal terms. Valakari, 51, had already been interviewed as part of the process. The former 'Well midfielder was next in line after Aberdeen first-team coach Peter Leven pulled out of the race over the weekend, to remain at Pittodrie.

The Finn has a proven track record, having won the Finnish League three times, the Finnish Cup twice and League Cup. He won the League twice and both cups with SJK Seinajoki and he won the league and Finnish Cup twice with KupS. Valakari has also managed Tromso in Norway and moved to Latvia with Auda at the start of last year and then moved to Riga in December. He has already lifted the Latvian Super Cup with Riga.

St Johnstone have been searching for a manager since they sacked Craig Levein earlier this month. New owner Adam Webb has advanced the search after Saturday's 6-0 thumping to Celtic.

They had also interviewed Scott Brown but he pulled out when the club confirmed they were going to interview a number of candidates. He has since signed a new deal at Ayr United.

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