Motherwell Must Wait To Approach Valakari

Motherwell have been told they will not get the chance to speak to potential managerial candidate Simo Valakari until the Finnish season ends.

The former Well and Derby midfielder has declared an interest in a return to Fir Park to replace the sacked Ian Baraclough and claimed his club would not be hard to deal with.

Valakari is among the names interesting Motherwell but the 42-year-old's team, SJK, are top of the Finnish league with two matches left.

And his club have stated they will not be open to any deal until after their season ends on October 25.

SJK chairman Raimo Sarajarvi told the website of Finnish newspaper, Iltalehti: "We will not negotiate anything before the season is over.

"If someone wants to negotiate before it, then we will not be the source of anything.

"We have two years left in the agreement. All parties know where they stand.

"Motherwell are no greater club than we are. It is the starting point."