Celtic had no plans to make the former Leicester City man their first-choice right-back.
It had been claimed last week by the paper that the free agent, who left Leicester City at the end of last season, would be put through his paces at Lennoxtown ahead of a potential contract.
However, Simpson did not want to play a back-up role at the club in support of Elhamed, who the Hoops will prioritise.
The Scottish Sun reckon he is going to be Celtic’s first-choice right-back next term, clearing up exactly what Neil Lennon’s intentions are for the 28-year-old.
The one-cap Israeli international played most of his football last season as a Hapoel Be’er Sheva centre-back and has previously featured in midfield and at right-back at previous clubs.
That playing history made the Hoops’ plans for the player uncertain, but there now appears to be a bit of clarity that he is the direct replacement for long-serving star Mikael Lustig, who left for Belgian side Gent this summer.
The Sun also report that Celtic are now seeking alternative options as cover for Elhamed, with Anthony Ralston apparently not a firm part of Lennon’s plans.
Kristoffer Ajer has made the switch from central defence to the right flank in recent matches and while he has played well, it’s not an ideal way to proceed.
Whoever Celtic’s planned solution for the position is, the signing needs to be made quickly.
Tough challenges are on the horizon this summer and the Hoops need a complete squad with depth and quality to compete at the level they want to.
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