Simpson: Tyneside is where I belong

Danny Simpson wants to stay at Newcastle United, despite rejecting their latest contract offer.

Simpson has been one of Alan Pardew’s most consistent performers this season, and with only 18 months remaining on his current deal, the Magpies boss is keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract with the club.

The 24-year-old defender has been linked with a January exit from Tyneside after turning down the club’s offer, but he has moved to appease concerned fans.

“I don’t want to leave this club, I love it at Newcastle,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love it up here and I’m enjoying my time regularly. I’m settled up here with my family now.”

“The team are doing well. It’s a massive, massive club. We get 50,000 every week and my form has been good. Why would I want to leave?”

“I know the manager wants me to stay and I want to stay, too. I’m confident that we will get something sorted in the summer because we both want the same things.”

“People are getting a bit worked up because the contract has not been signed yet, but these things take time to finalise.”

“It’s just a little bit disappointing that news of my talks have come out but deals are never done quickly.”

Newcastle are seventh in the table after a strong start to the campaign, with Simpson a consistent member of the defence.

He was part of the side that secured a 1-1 draw with champions Manchester United last month, and is excited about his old club’ visit to the north-east on January 4, when he will celebrate his 25th birthday.

“It should be a great game with all my friends and family coming so that is something to look forward to for me,” the Salford-born full-back said.

“We put in a great performance at Old Trafford. We have not set ourselves any targets this season but after the start we have had, it would be disappointing not to finish in the top 10.”