SFA Put Off By Levein's Price Tag?

The SFA might have wanted Craig Levein to become the next Scotland boss, but it's likely they would have been put off by the 7-figure compensation they would have to pay Dundee United to get their man.

Craig Levein's name had been suggested as one of the favourites to get Walter Smith's former job, but the former Hearts & Leicester boss signed a 3-year contract with Dundee United last November.

Walter Smith claims he quit as Scotland manager over fears about his future, after the SFA only gave him a contract until the end of the Euro 2008 championships.

Many people have criticised the SFA for not extending Smith's deal when they had the chance, but with both Walter Smith and Ally McCoist now at Rangers, the search for the next International manager is underway.

Speculation is that former Rangers boss Alex McLeish and Gary McAllister are now front-runners for the position, but it's believed that the SFA originally wanted to interview Craig Levein as a potential candidate.

Since the SFA accused Rangers of "tapping" Walter Smith, it would have been hypocritical of them to approach Levein without the consent of the Dundee United board.

However, it would be unlikely United would have given them permission to speak to their promising manager and that, along with the 7-figure compensation, means its unlikely Levein will become the Scotland manager.....this time!!!

Levein was able to join Dundee United from Raith Rovers in November 2006, because the Stark's Park club employed the 42-year-old manager on a non-contractual basis.

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