Could Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson rejoin Manchester United?

Is it possible the Newcastle right-back could rejoin the club he left as a youngster?

Danny Simpson has been one the Premier League's best defenders this season, and it is no surprise he is in demand.

A report in The People this weekend, has said that rival clubs are currently monitoring his contract negotiations.

Simpson is reported to be stalling over signing a new deal at Newcastle.

His current wages are thought to be far below many of his teammates, from when he was signed as a teenager unproven in the Premier League.

He left Manchester United because he thought he would not receive the chances he wanted.

Now he is at a crossroads, and has to decide whether to commit to Newcastle's long-term project.

But Manchester United's right-back spot is far from assured.

Neither Rafael of Fabio Da Silva have managed to make the spot their own, and Simpson openly criticised Fabio's performance in the Champions League Final on Twitter arguing he is a better player.

He still clearly feels he has unfinished business at Old Trafford, and is admired by the fans of the club for the success he has made of himself.

The pieces of the jigsaw are there for a move to materialise, but they just need to be put together.

Manchester United may decide against 'bringing Simpson home', and try to sign Nathaniel Clyne from Crystal Palace.

Clyne is out of contract in the summer and will be available for a nominal fee, but the People's report states that Newcastle are preparing for life without Simpson and are ready themselves to swoop for Clyne, further complicating the situation.

Both have the potential to play for England in the right-back position, and present a dilemma for both clubs which could be decided on factors such as contract length, wages, and transfer fees.

Newcastle would be loathe to lose Simpson, but the contract negotiations have been ongoing for months without resolution and the time is coming to make decisions.

- What do you think the future holds for both Simpson and Clyne?

image: © Running in Suffolk

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.