Bernard in Magpies U-turn

The move comes on the same day that the Frenchman had his appeal against a decision that he was a free agent rejected.

The left-sided player had claimed his contract with the St James' Park club was up, and that he was free to sign for West Ham.

He had apparently agreed a deal with the London side, only for Newcastle to take the matter to a Premier League hearing saying he still had another year to run on his deal.

The Premier League ruled in the Tyneside outfit's favour and threw out Bernard's appeal on Monday.

"Olivier Bernard's appeal with the Football League Appeals Committee was dismissed this afternoon and Olivier left the appeal as he entered it, a Newcastle United player," said a Newcastle club spokesman.

"Olivier has confirmed his commitment to Newcastle United having signed a new three-year contract with the club this afternoon."

Bernard's playing abilities are highly thought of at Newcastle and they say they will welcome him back with 'no hard feelings'.

He failed to turn up for pre-season training last Thursday but is now set to link up with his team-mates.