NEWCASTLE boss Chris Hughton will try to turn Danny Simpson’s loan deal into a permanent transfer when his current arrangement comes to an end in late December.

Simpson is due to return to his permanent employers, Manchester United, when his three-month loan deal expires at the turn of the year, but Hughton will do all he can to secure the defender’s services on a full-time basis.

Simpson has started 13 matches since moving to St James’ Park in August, and developed into a key constituent of a Magpies defence that has conceded less goals than any other team in the Championship.

The Salford-born full-back has impressed, and Hughton will contact Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson this month to inquire about his possible availability.

Sources in Manchester claim Ferguson has written off Simpson’s prospects of breaking through at Old Trafford, and the Scotsman is expected to sanction the 22-yearold’s departure.

However, Newcastle are unlikely to be the only club interested in securing his services, and Hughton could face a battle to persuade Mike Ashley to stump up the cash that will be needed to sign him permanently.

Managing director Derek Llambias last week claimed that Hughton would be allowed to spend “£1m-or-so, if it was on the right player, who preferably would be under the age of 23”.

Simpson falls into that category, but it remains to be seen whether Ferguson deems £1m a high enough price for a player who boasts Premier League experience with Blackburn Rovers.