Pardew warns Simpson over future

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has told Danny Simpson to sign a new contract or face being sold in January.

Simpson, who has missed just 14 minutes of Premier League football this season, has been part of the sturdiest defence in England’s top-flight.

But Pardew told the Daily Mirror he had doubts on his right-back’s future at the club.

“My personal preference is for Danny Simpson to sign quickly, because he has got a lot of competition in that area. If we can’t reach agreement, he’ll have to move on – it’s as simple as that,” Pardew said.

“We have got Davide Santon, who is desperate to play. It will be as dangerous (to stall on a deal) for Danny as it is for us.”

“He’s a player who, within 18 months, broke into team and established himself as a first-team player. He feels he should be rewarded with a new contract. I agree with that.”

“Really, all we’re talking about is the figures and that is very, very difficult at this level.”

“He wants to secure his future and contract negotiations are going on. So there is a situation there and he has not got long left on his contract.”

Simpson, who returns to Manchester United on Saturday after having spent his youth there, is more relaxed about the contract situation.

“It’s not a problem,” he said.

“I’m happy here and Newcastle want me to stay. Contracts don’t get sorted out in a couple of days, I’m sure it will get sorted in time. I’m happy and my family are here.”

“It’s a great time to be at Newcastle at the moment, the whole city is buzzing and I’m sure our form will carry on for the rest of the season.”

Simpson continued: “I’m a United fan and was there from when I was 11 until a couple of years ago. I had a good time, but I’m part of a good Newcastle team now.”

“I go there looking to play well and at the back of my mind, like any player against their old club, to prove a point.”

“It’s nice I can go back as part of a good team. We’re in the top four at the moment and not just going there for a day for the friends and family to watch – a lot of them are United fans anyway – we’re going there looking to get points off them and close the gap.”

Pardew also wants to hold on to Fabricio Coloccini, another key member of the Newcastle defence.

“I admire him as much as a person as a player, and there are not many players I would say that about.”

“I hope we get his new contract signed because he is very influential in everything I want to do. He represents everything I like.”