DUNCAN FERGUSON'S agent Dennis Roach last night rounded on Newcastle United over what he claims has been poor treatment of the Scottish striker.

Ferguson's proposed return to Everton has foundered because Newcastle have refused to give him a pay-off for the remainder of his contract.

It is claimed Ferguson would have accepted around £250,000, but Roach said: "Freddy Shepherd and his board feel Duncan has not given them value for money in his time there.

"But talk of Duncan wanting £1m is nonsense. We didn't instigate the transfer and Duncan knew nothing about it.

"People of Duncan's quality shouldn't be treated this way. We never had an opportunity to talk to Newcastle and because of that Duncan has dug his heels in.

"He has a four-year contract and didn't want to leave.

"He's bought a plot of land to build a house next door to Alan Shearer, his wife's just had a baby and he was more than happy to stay.

"If Newcastle were so desperate to get rid of him they should have sat down and talked about the situation.

"There should have been some gesture from the board.''

With £7m Carl Cort and Argentinian Daniel Cordone brought in by boss Bobby Robson to strengthen United's attacking options, Ferguson faces a battle for a place.

However, Roach added: "Everton is the only club Duncan would have left Newcastle for, but the fact is he never asked for a transfer. It was all arranged without our knowledge. The first we knew was when Everton contacted us.

"Duncan went into training one day and Bobby Robson asked him why he wasn't at Everton for a medical. That happened ten days ago when a previous medical was arranged. Nobody told him about it.

"With Duncan, it's a case of a bit of pride. He's upset but he has told me he aims to prove Newcastle wrong.

"Duncan believes he still has the fans on his side and feels he can put anyone out of the team. He's told me he will fight for his place.

''People forget that Duncan and Shearer turned things round last season. Duncan scored the goal of the season against Manchester United and had a good run of games.

"He'll start the new season with Newcastle - there are no other offers - but he feels he hasn't been treated right.

"Newcastle have handled this poorly. He's virtually been accused of being greedy. I doubt he'll be able to forget what has been said about him.

"Everton have behaved well throughout, but because of certain circumstances, the deal is off.''

Everton boss Walter Smith said: "Having agreed a deal with both parties on Friday, we were very hopeful of signing Duncan and we're extremely disappointed the deal will now not proceed.''