Simpson has emphasised his desire to stay at St James' Park and blasted claims he is being "greedy" over his contract demands.
Right-back Simpson, 24, has a year left on his present deal after negotiations broke down following the rejection of the club’s offer in February, reportedly to be £25,000- a-week.
However, Simpson himself insisted he only wants the same pay as any established Premier League player.
But it could be unjust to point the finger at Ashley, because all of the players Pardew has asked to be tied down on long term deals, the Toon owner has agreed to.
So why the stumbling block with Simpson?
It has been rumoured that Pardew is in two minds about keeping the former Man Utd defender.
Having realized that Davide Santon doesn't look too clever down the right, he says he wants to bring in "two defenders, and a right-back is a priority".
We believe Pardew wants someone better than Simpson, but he would be happy to keep him in the squad.
Ashley, on the other hand, is not going to break the bank to bring in an international right-back - pay top wages - and hand Simpson a blank cheque for his wages.
Pardew has made it known "I want to strengthen the team in certain areas", and that suggests Simpson - whether he stays or goes - is not the man the boss wants as first choice right-back next term.
Danny Simpson: “I’m not a greedy player and I just want to be on par with the other players around me. In football terms, what I’m asking for is by no means outrageous.
“I want to stay at this club and I’ve been saying that all season. I’ve recently had a baby, I’m happy here and so is my family.
“Hopefully me and the club can find some solution. I want to stay but if I have to move, then I will accept it and move on.
“Newcastle is a great club, what with 50,000 screaming Geordies at the game every week. Why would I want to leave? There is speculation but I want to state, like I have all season, I want to stay.
“Over the last two years I’ve played nearly 80 games and started most of them.
“I’m not being greedy, this club is on the up, the manager and staff are brilliant – I want to stay.”