End Nigh for Danny Simpson?

The week began with the news that the contract talks between Newcastle United and Danny Simpson have been put on hold until Christmas and ended with a fully fit Danny on the bench for a make shift right back Vurnon Anita. Although Danny did come on against Liverpool and put in a respectable performance the events leading up to the match would have fuelled the speculation that he may indeed be out of the Newcastle door.

This is what a Newcastle source said:

‘Danny will have to wait and see what happens in the window. The club has most players on long-term contracts and Danny is the exception to that.’

That is indeed true; one can also say that about the coaching staff too with Alan Pardew and his assistants recently signing eight year deals at the club that after chief scout Graham Carr also signed a similar deal.

The news is that that club had offered Danny a new deal, which was rejected by him reportedly over the monetary terms offered. One can understand both sides as Danny believes he can earn more money than he is being offered being a full fledged right back who helped Newcastle to a fifth place finish. The club on their part believe they are not short of options when it comes to playing at right back. Davide Santon, James Perch, James Tavernier and indeed Vurnon Anita can all play at right back, even Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini have previously played in that position. A renewed bid for Lille skipper Mathieu Debuchy cannot be ruled out either. So the arguments for negotiation are not in the players favour.

Danny Simpson is not half as bad as he is made out to be and is a consummate professional and has always given his best for the club. However, the truth is the club can obviously do better than Danny Simpson and Pardew has shown that he is not averse to dropping him if he does not sign a new contract. Another element in the mix is the business aspect that Mr. Mike Ashley brings to the table. From what I understand, he would rather sell Danny in January than let him leave for free in the summer. There will be no shortage of takers for him either, with Aston Villa, Fulham and Reading all being previously linked with him.

Given all that has happened under Mike Ashley with players who have dug their heels when it has come to contract situations, I can see Danny being sold. I think it would only be a miracle if we saw Danny wearing Black and White come February.