FRENCHMAN Olivier Bernard is poised to end uncertainty over his future by agreeing a new deal with Newcastle United.

The left-sided midfielder, who arrived on a free transfer early last season after winning a legal battle to secure his release from Lyon, is out of contract this summer and was reported to be ready to snub United's offer of fresh terms.

Manager Bobby Robson last month threatened to take action against an unnamed Premiership club when it was claimed 22-year-old Bernard had been the subject of an illegal approach.

But after scoring in United Reserves' 4-2 win over Liverpool at St. James' Park on Wednesday night, Bernard revealed that he is set to put pen to paper.

He said: "We've just negotiated a contract. I want to sign and stay with Newcastle. I love the city.

"Newcastle want me to sign, so everything is OK.''

Bernard, who had a successful loan spell with Darlington last season, admitted: "When I first came to England it was very difficult because I didn't speak English.

"But I am settled now and very happy here.''

United right-back Andy Griffin made his comeback in the Reserves, but came off after half an hour after suffering a recurrence of the thigh injury which has forced him to miss most of the season.

Meanwhile, United go into tomorrow's game against relegation-threatened Derby County at Pride Park desperate to erase the memory of Monday's dire 1-1 home draw with struggling Fulham.

Chelsea's point at Blackburn on Wednesday meant United slipped back out of the Premiership's top four and a Champions' League place.

Robson's side are fifth, level on 61 points with Chelsea with a significantly inferior goal difference, but have two games in hand on the FA Cup semi-finalists.

A further ten points from their five remaining games will guarantee United qualify for the Champions' League.

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