Kilmarnock managerial target Simo Valakari has signed a new four-year contract with Finnish club SJK.

Senior figures with the Rugby Park side had expected to hold talks with the former Finland international in the next 48 hours, however Valakari has now committed to a fresh deal.

SJK moved quickly to tie down their boss with Valakari claiming in a statement that he was glad to be able to continue to build his team.

Kilmarnock remain on the hunt for a new boss following Gary Locke's exit on January 30 in the wake of a 1-0 loss to Hamilton.

Ex-Motherwell player Valakari led SJK to the Finnish title last season and was in the running to replace Ian Baraclough at Fir Park earlier this season before the post went to Mark McGhee.

Killie have interviewed former Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies and ex-Blackpool manager Lee Clark for the post.

Lee McCulloch will remain in charge for Saturday's Premiership clash at Fir Park and may also be in the dugout for Tuesday's Scottish Cup replay against Rangers.

Last month Valakari's men secured the services of ex-Kilmarnock star Alexei Eremenko ahead of the new Veikkausliiga season starting in April.