Pardew optimistic Simpson will stay at Newcastle

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes Danny Simpson could still remain at the club, despite recently turning down a new contract.

The former Manchester United youngster was a regular last season as the Magpies made a surprise push for fourth in the Premier League, eventually qualifying for the Europa League with a fifth-placed finish.

Subsequently, Pardew is keen to keep hold of the right-back, who has just one year remaining on his existing contract.

“He’s got a year left on his deal,” Pardew told The Chronicle.

“He turned down a new contract and that’s where we are. Danny could play the whole season next year. We’ll have to see.”

The former West Ham boss also revealed he expects goalkeeper Fraser Forster to return to the club for pre-season training.

Forster has spent the last two seasons on loan at Scottish giants Celtic but will not be allowed to leave until his valuation is met.

“At the moment he is coming back to us,” he said.

“He will be with us until he finds a club and we find a fee that works for us.”