TUFFEY ON VERGE OF SAINTS MOVE

It comes after the Northern Ireland international left Inverness Caledonian Thistle when his contract expired.

Tuffey was left short of game time at Caley Thistle this season, making just eight appearances as he was forced to play second fiddle to Ryan Esson.

A move to St. Johnstone would offer Tuffey the chance to stay in Scotland while also allowing the goalkeeper to play in the Europa League.

It would also allow Tuffey to team up with his Northern Ireland team-mate and fellow shot stopper Alan Mannus while being managed by ex-NI midfielder Steve Lomas.

Speaking about a potential move for Tuffey Lomas said, “We have a long list of potential targets and it would be naive of us to think we will get everyone at the top of that list. We want players here who fit into the ethos of good, honest, hard working pros that the success of the club has been built on.

“We have a happy ship here and want players that will fit in. And we are maybe looking to reduce the average age of the squad a bit and find players we can work with and improve.

“We are speaking to lots of agents but we won’t be held to ransom. If we find targets don’t fit into our budget criteria there’s no point wasting time and we will move on.”