DOUBLE DEAL

Experienced additions to Valakari’s Championship rebuild

- FRASER MACKIE

Simo Valakari looks set to bolster his St Johnstone squad with the signings of two more experienced Championship players.

Saints were yesterday closing on the captures of Sam Stanton from Raith Rovers and Hamilton right-back Reghan Tumilty.

As part of the proposed Stanton deal, goalkeeper Josh Rae appears set for a return to Kirkcaldy where he enjoyed a successful loan spell in the second half of last season.

The latest rush of close-season business will take the number of Valakari's signings from the second tier to five so far.

Jack Baird, Morgan Boyes and Jamie Gullan penned two-year deals.

And Valakari's (inset) plan to augment his relegated group with cast-iron performers from the Championship is taking shape.

Stanton, 31, starred for Hibernian as a youngster and played two and a half seasons for Dundee United in the second tier.