Simo Valakari has all but confirmed he will hold talks with St Johnstone over their vacant manager's position.

The Riga head coach last night told media in Latvia that he hadn't spoken to the Scottish Premiership side 'yet', however, permission had been granted by his current club.

The 51-year-old, who has previously managed Tromsø and KuPS, won the Latvian Supercup last season.

"I'm Riga FC head coach," the Finn said. "They have asked permission to talk with me, by the club.

"The club said yes but I have not been talking with them yet due to respect of my players and due to respect of this game."

Saints have been made to play the long game in their search to replace Craig Levein, who was sacked two weeks ago today.

Scott Brown opted to stay at Ayr United following talks and subsequently signed a new contract.

Meanwhile, both Peter Leven and Tiernan Lynch turned down the vacancy in favour of remaining at Aberdeen and Larne respectively.