Pards to let duo go

Newcastle will let Danny Simpson and Leon Best leave in the summer as Alan Pardew looks to shake up his squad.

The Magpies are believed to have become frustrated with Simpson's reluctance to sign a new deal and will cash in on the right-back at the end of the season if someone can match their valuation. Simpson has just over a year to run on his current deal and although he says he wants to stay at St James' Park, he has so far failed to agree terms and looks likely to move on. Meanwhile Best is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Papiss Cisse and with further new signings set to arrive in the summer Pardew is happy to let him go. There will be no shortage of interest in the striker though and Aston Villa are also said to be showing a keen interest in the Republic of Ireland international.