Bernard dispute continues
13 April 2012
West Ham and Newcastle are at loggerheads again over Olivier Bernard's proposed move to Upton Park.
A Premier League arbitrator last week ruled that the Frenchman is contracted to Newcastle until the end of next season after it was alleged West Ham had made an illegal approach in setting up a three-year deal.
Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson expects the player, who insists that he has played his last game for Newcastle, to turn up for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.
Newcastle are also considering legal action but the Upton Park club have hit back.
A West Ham spokesman said today: "West Ham categorically deny having made any illegal approach, either post-season or, as claimed by Newcastle, in March 2002."
