Tommy Wright Still On Dundee United Radar Despite St Johnstone Stance

Tommy Wright remains on Dundee United's shortlist of potential managers despite St Johnstone making a firm statement of intent to hold on to their boss.

It is understood United made an official approach to the Perth club after Wright further enhanced his reputation by leading St Johnstone to a 5-1 victory over Premiership leaders Aberdeen at the weekend.

Saints chairman Steve Brown told them they were wasting their time but his resolve may be further tested as the week develops.

Wright is one of a number of candidates in the thoughts of the United board, which also includes out-of-work bosses Stuart McCall, Mixu Paatelainen and Alan Irvine.

But United's apparent willingness to pay compensation shows they are keen on Wright.

The 52-year-old began his managerial career in his native Northern Ireland with Limavady, Ballymena and Lisburn, before joining Saints as assistant to Steve Lomas in November 2011.

As manager, he has led Saints to two top-six finishes, the 2014 William Hill Scottish Cup, and several impressive results in Europe, including victory over Rosenborg.

But St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown has declared that he is not interested in striking a compensation deal with their Tayside rivals.

In a statement on the club's official website, Brown said: The manager has never indicated that he wishes to leave the club and I have spoken with Tommy regarding this particular matter and he has reiterated to me that he is more than happy at Saints.

Since I appointed Tommy, I have had a good working relationship with him and we are both striving to maintain the success we have enjoyed in recent seasons and therefore, regardless of any approach and any level of compensation that might be offered, it will be flatly turned down.

It is important to me that all St Johnstone supporters are assured that we intend for Tommy to remain at the club beyond his current contract which already runs to June 2017.''

McCall declared himself open to a Tannadice switch last week. The former Rangers and Bradford manager offers a proven track record in the top flight having led Motherwell to a hat-trick of top-three finishes and a Scottish Cup final.

Former United striker Irvine has managed Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom, where he had seven months in charge last season, having previously worked as assistant to David Moyes at Deepdale and Everton. He has also had spells at Newcastle's academy.

Paatelainen, another former United striker, has enjoyed two seasons in the Scottish top flight, leading both Hibernian and Kilmarnock to a top-six place.

He was controversially sacked by Hibs but impressed at Killie and left to become Finland manager.