NEWCASTLE have sought to play down suggestions they are forcing Olivier Bernard out of the club.

The French full-back, who is about to enter the final year of his current United deal, has claimed that the club have failed to offer him a new contract.

Discussions have been ongoing for more than a year, but Bernard is unhappy at Newcastle's perceived reluctance to put a firm offer on the table.

And the 24-year-old has threatened to start negotiating a move away from Tyneside if progress is not made by the end of the year.

"I'm quite disappointed and I will probably have to think about something else soon," said Bernard, who has made 117 appearances for the Magpies since moving from Lyon four years ago.

"In December, if there is no change, I will have to think about my future. I might have to leave in the summer but anything can happen before then.

"This is my final year so I will play it and if I don't sign a new contract I will have to leave. Am I surprised? Yes and no.

"I love Newcastle and I love the city. I started my career up here and it would be really difficult to leave Newcastle, but sometimes you have to do things you don't want."

Bernard quit Newcastle after a previous contractual dispute two year ago, but was forced to renege on an agreement to join West Ham and return to St James' Park.

The left-back is close to finding himself in limbo again, but Newcastle have dismissed claims that they are stalling on a new deal.

A club insider claimed: "There has been contact between the two parties and a contract offer was put on the table in June. We haven't heard anything back from the player's advisors since then and we're still waiting."

Bernard was one of Newcastle's most consistent performers last season and, with forgotten man Robbie Elliott offering the only cover on the left flank, United can ill afford to lose their first-choice left back.

Things look no better on the opposite flank either, with three of United's former right back targets set to join other clubs by the start of next week.

Mario Melchiot completed his move from Chelsea to Birmingham yesterday, with the Dutch international citing Steve Bruce's persistence as the main reason behind his decision to join the Blues.

"When the manager puts in all his sweat and desire to bringing you in it gives you enough confidence to be able to fight for him," said Melchiot. "I'm very happy to have joined Birmingham."

Newcastle also look like missing out on Leeds defender Danny Mills after he entered contract discussions with Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan. They had also tracked Tunisian international Hatem Trabelsi, but the Ajax full-back is expected to complete his £3m move to Arsenal next week.

Tottenham's Stephen Carr remains an option but, if new Spurs boss Jacques Santini opts to keep the Irishman, Newcastle are resigned to starting the new campaign with Aaron Hughes as their only recognised right back.

l Lomana LuaLua has turned his back on a move to West Brom.