Newcastle: 5 Potential Replacements for Danny Simpson
Who could we see replace the Mancunian at St. James' Park.
Despite Danny Simpsons assurances otherwise it looks like the Manchester-born right back is happy to let his contract at Newcastle United wind down, confident that hell secure a better deal than the reported £25,000-a-week the Toon are offering him. The 25-year-old was signed on a three-and-a-half-year deal in 2010 after completing a successful 5 month loan at the club for just £750,000. Despite some pressure from the terraces Simpson has been a consistent face in the starting 11 owing to a lack of competition more than anything, although the defender has put in some solid performances in the past. Full-backs are more important than ever in the modern game; although defensive duties are still paramount they are often expected to be seen in the final third of the pitch, overlapping the wingers and delivering a killer ball into the box. One of the main gripes with Simpson is precisely this; his lack of attacking capabilities and the fact he struggles when faced with pace (although the latter point could be made about all of Newcastles defence). Whenever Simpson does venture forward not only is his crossing often ineffective (something it seems all Newcastle wide players have a problem with) but hes very slow to recover his defensive position. A perfect example of this would be the 2nd goal in the 4-0 thrashing away at Wigan last season which saw Simpson lose possession in the final 3rd and led directly to a goal. That being said he made a very handy habit of goal-line clearances last season which won Newcastle more than a few points but that hasnt stopped Pardew and his scouting team looking for a replacement, even if its just under the ruse of squad competition, who could we see replace the Mancunian?
1. Mathieu Debuchy
Why not start with the obvious one? We were linked with him all summer and reportedly put in bids (according to the BBC) for the Frenchman but due to the club's new-found stringent transfer policy an agreement couldnt be made. The 27-year-old is very good friends with Yohan Cabaye from the pairs time together at Lille and will have had a word in his ear during Euro '12 about joining him on Tyneside. The player himself made it apparent that he wanted to leave (source: ESPN) but the club's chairman was adamant hed only sell for the right price (remind you of anyone?). Whatever happened Debuchy was clearly Newcastles first choice replacement for Simpson and we could be back in for him come January. He is solid defensively and an offensive menace, so many fans believe Ashley should have bit the bullet and paid the extra Lille were asking for, however the once-reviled chairman has been adamant he wont be bullied with transfer fees.