Blues eye Toon rebel

Danny Simpson is being linked with Chelsea after rejecting Newcastle's final offer of a new contract at St James' Park.

Simpson is about to enter the final year of his contract but Newcastle were hoping he would accept a new deal worth £25,000 a week to stay at the club. That would have doubled what he is on now but the player, who has made 40 appearances this season, is said to have infuriated Newcastle's hierarchy by turning down the offer and a move is now on the cards. Newcastle will not offer any more and reports have now suggested Chelsea are keeping tabs on the right-back and could make an approach at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Danny Guthrie and Leon Best could also follow him out of the exit door with Aston Villa reported to be lining up a double swoop when the window re-opens.