• Premier League

Pardew rules out Rooney bid

Alan Pardew has rubbished reports the club are preparing a bid for Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, but has confirmed Newcastle United's intention to bring in a new striker this summer.

Appearing earlier this week on SportsDirect News, the website claimed the Magpies had entered "low-level" talks with the Manchester United striker after he handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford.

Later retracting the story, an apology was issued to Rooney and his advisors over the claims, with Pardew dismissing suggestions that the 27-year-old is one of the club's summer targets.

"When Demba [Ba] went in January and we didn't secure [Loic] Remy, it was obvious that we were going to need to bring in a striker or two in this summer window, and hopefully we can," Pardew told nufcTV. "But Rooney won't be one of them, 100%, I can assure you."

Meanwhile, full-back Danny Simpson has said he is unsure over his future at the club as he enters the final weeks of his contract.

The former Red Devils defender initially joined the Magpies on loan from Old Trafford in 2009 before signing a permanent deal with the club in January 2010.

A regular fixture during the club's first two seasons back in the Premier League, Simpson has found first-team opportunities limited in the second half of the season following the January arrival of France international Mathieu Debuchy.

Currently in the final year of his contract, negotiations with the club began last summer with manager Pardew previously expressing his hope that a deal could be reached.

Confirming that his situation is still to be cemented, Simpson told ESPN: "Obviously it is the last game of the season and my contract situation isn't sorted out yet.

"However, I've had 136 games for Newcastle of which 135 have been starts and just one sub appearance. That's a record I am proud of. My contract situation is yet to be sorted, however regardless of the outcome I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Newcastle United and would like to thank the fans for their continued support throughout my time at the club."

With his last game for the North East side coming during the goalless draw at West Ham United earlier this month, Simpson was commended for his professionalism during the season by manager Pardew.

"There have been a few negative things said about Danny, but when we've really needed him, he's come to the fore," Pardew told the Shields Gazette . "He played a lot last year in that top-five run. He's been a terrific servant for us."

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