THE chances of Danny Simpson staying at Ipswich Town for next season look remote after Sir Alex Ferguson pencilled him in for Manchester United's pre-season trip to South Africa.

Derek Davis

THE chances of Danny Simpson staying at Ipswich Town for next season look remote after Sir Alex Ferguson pencilled him in for Manchester United's pre-season trip to South Africa.

Although Simpson was allowed to join Town on loan it is clear he is highly thought of at Old Trafford and signed a new three-year deal earlier this season and is expected to push for a more regular football at right back for them in the new campaign.

Simpson said: “If Ipswich were promoted to the Premier League I would love to be involved here. As it stands though Sir Alex has told me I'm very much part of his plans and he wants me in his squad next year.

“I have been told I'm going on the summer tour with them.”

Simpson admits he has not played as well as he as he can but has learnt from the experience and has enjoyed his time at Portman Road.

He said: “I know Charlie Woods (Blues' scout) has been sending regular reports to Sir Alex and Manchester United have been keeping an eye on me.

“I have enjoyed myself a lot here although I have to admit I have not played as I would have liked at times.”

Although Simpson is not eligible to play in the Champions League final, there is an outside chance that he could get a medal after appearing in three of Manchester United's Champions' League game this season, although he is not raising his hopes.

He went on as a substitute when they beat Dynamo Kiev 4-2 in the Ukraine and started in the return leg with the Red Devils cruised to a 4-0 win.

Simpson also played in the 1-1 draw in Roma in December

Only the 18 in the squad get medals on the night, although a further seven have been presented in previous years and Simpson at least hopes to be at the final in Russia.

He said: “I got taken off the Champions' League list when I joined Ipswich and I'm contracted here until the end of May so I would not be able to be involved.

“I'm hoping that Sir Alex takes me to Moscow as part of the official party - that would be awesome.”

Simpson was in Manchester for the semi-final win over Barcelona and was soon on the phone chatting to his victorious club mates.

He said: “I texted Wes Brown to tell him he was pure class. He proved that centre-back is his position. He called me back and he was totally buzzing.

“It was a great night for United and as a life-long fan I'm chuffed to bits for them”