Wigan in for Toon defender

Don't get too excited, it isn't Willo, it's Simmo.....

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/01/26/wigan-athletic-join-race-to-sign-newcastle-united-defender/?

Wigan Athletic have joined the race to sign Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson and are preparing a £400,000 bid, according to the Daily Mail.
Simpson looks set to leave St James’ Park this month following the arrival of several new signings in the January transfer window, and Wigan are understood to lead the race ahead of West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham, who are also interested.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez targeted defensive reinforcements this month after losing Ivan Ramis to injury. He has also been without Antolin Alcaraz for much of the season.
Simpson, the former Manchester United full-back, has been a regular at Newcastle for the past four seasons – the first of which was on loan from Old Trafford, but has lost his place following the arrival of French international right-back Mathieu Debuchy.
Simpson is out of contract at the end of the season and is understood to want a move away from Tyneside, and Newcastle are ready to cash in on him now rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.
Newcastle have been busy in the transfer window with Debuchy being followed to St James’ Park by another four French-based players with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa from Montpellier, Nancy’s Massadio Hairada from Nancy, Yoan Gouffran from Bordeaux and Toulouse’s Moussa Sissoko all signing on.

 

I'm not sure, but didn't the X factor have their finals in Manchester last year?

If that's happening every year it might be as good a move going to Wigan as heading to London.

 

To be fair to Simmo he would be near family too.
If he does go I wish him all the best and thank him for all his efforts.

 

Of course

One thing about the transfer situation I don't understand is the fact Martinez prefers playing 3 at the back doesn't he? Why would they want Simmo at all?

 

Because he plays Boyce (right) and Beusejour (left) as wing backs and Simpson does enjoy getting forward to be fair. Boyce is getting old, Wigan would be an ideal club as long as Martinez stays in charge.

 

Maybe looking to ensure they have plenty of variety? Martinez might be good for Simmo, he can bring on the bit of his game which still hinders him a little. His technique.

 

I'd prefer to keep both. Neither are quality, but both do a good job.