Simpson Deal Done

Danny Simpson has moved to Newcastle United permanently, for an undisclosed transfer fee, following a successful loan spell on Tyneside.

The Salford-born right-back made eight first-team appearances after graduating from the academy, his senior debut coming in the 2007/08 Carling Cup tie against Coventry City.

Simpson also played on loan for Royal Antwerp, Blackburn Rovers and his new employers' arch-rivals Sunderland during his Old Trafford career. He joined Newcastle at the beginning of the current season, and has now signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton, himself a former full-back, said: "We're delighted to complete a permanent deal for Danny.

"He's a player who has been with us since the summer and has played a key role during the first half of the season.

"Danny is a very popular lad in the dressing room and he took no time at all to settle in. He was always a player we wanted to keep at the club and he was very keen to stay given how much he's enjoyed being here."