The Scottish Football Association are close to appointing George Burley as the new Scotland manager after reaching an agreement with Southampton over compensation.

Saints boss Burley has been confirmed as the man the SFA want to succeed Alex McLeish as the new national team boss.

A spokesman for the SFA has said: "We have had initial discussions with the manager's agent and these will continue tomorrow. But we have reached agreement with Southampton."

The only way Burley will not become the new Scotland boss is if he turns down the position, however after agreeing to be interviewed for the post that seems inconceivable.

The 51-year-old was the preferred candidate of the SFA's interview panel, which included chief executive Gordon Smith and president George Peat.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, Celtic first-team coach Tommy Burns and former Rangers boss Graeme Souness were all considered for the post, which became vacant when Alex McLeish resigned on November 27th to take charge of Barclays Premier League side Birmingham.

The SFA's board ratified the panel's choice this morning, with Peat insisting: "We think we've got the right man."

An approach to Southampton followed and the swift agreement there will have come as a relief to Hampden chiefs.

Burley is expected to make his first appearance as Scotland boss before the end of the week, and a press conference could take place on Thursday.

Peat said on Sky Sports News: "We've gone down the same route as we did with the appointments of Walter Smith and Alex McLeish.

"It's been difficult from the point of view there's been little to choose between the candidates we were discussing."