NEWCASTLE United boss Bobby Robson last night rounded on Rangers chairman David Murray over claims that Duncan Ferguson is being hawked about the transfer market - and insisted the Scottish striker is staying at St James' Park.

Murray revealed last week that his club had turned down the chance to re-sign Ibrox old boy Ferguson after an approach from "agents'' acting for the injury-prone forward.

The Rangers supremo said 28-year-old Ferguson, who has spent much of his 20 months on Tyneside in the treatment room, was "being actively offered about''.

But Robson maintains that Ferguson, signed from Everton by former boss Ruud Gullit in an £8m deal, is still very much part of United's plans, despite the £7m arrival last week of striker Carl Cort from Wimbledon.

And the United manager fired a broadside at Murray, saying: "I don't think a chairman of that repute should make those sort of statements. I don't think that's right.

"We've not been hawking Duncan Ferguson. I've never spoken to any manager about Duncan.''

Ferguson, whose United career had been blighted by groin, hamstring and calf problems, missed the run-in to last season with a knee injury.

But Robson insisted: "I would say that Duncan's future is as bright as it was when he first came here.

"He signed a contract over 18 months ago because the club, at the time, felt he was the ideal choice.

"For 20 straight games last season, Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson, as a partnership, were unbeatable. For that period they were probably more lethal than Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke at Manchester United.

"If we're going to compete in the Premiership, finish in the top four or five and qualify for Europe, we've got to have a good, strong squad. We've got to have the strength of a Manchester United.

"That's why we're not looking to sell any of our top-class players - we don't have to do that.''

United fought off competition from Tottenham and Leicester to capture England Under-21 international Cort, and Robson stressed: "He will learn a lot from Shearer and Ferguson.

"I think Carl can be an outstanding player and he's a great contender for the England team in the very near future.

"I see Carl as a genuine striker. Like Duncan, he's got a good touch for a big man and he scored 17 goals last season playing in a wide position.

"I'm really delighted to have Shearer, Ferguson and Cort - we've got a hell of a trio.

"If all three are fit, I can't see a situation where they won't all be in the squad. If we're going to have a crack at things in the new season, we need cover.''

Robson, meanwhile, revealed that errant midfielder Kieron Dyer had been "court-martialled'' after making the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Dyer was involved in lurid antics while on holiday in the Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa.

And on his return, the fledgling England star was admitted to hospital after being injured in a nightclub incident in Ipswich.

Robson said: "We've court-martialled Kieron, but he needs support and guidance and he'll get that here.

"I spoke to him on Monday with the chairman (Freddy Shepherd), chief executive (David Stonehouse) and the player's agent, Jonathan Barnett.

"Kieron's been made fully aware of the situation. What happened is in the past and he knows he's got to change his lifestyle a little. He's very remorseful.

"I want him to keep a low profile. We're going to restrict the number of interviews he does. We want him out of the limelight and concentrating on his football because he's a great player.''

l NEWCASTLE winger Stephen Glass has been taken off the transfer list at his own request - and is in line to win an extended contract.

The Scottish international had attracted interest from Ipswich Town, but Bobby Robson insisted he had received no approach from his former club.

"I've had no contact from Ipswich,'' said Robson. "In any case, Stephen handed me a written note asking to be removed from the transfer list, which I'm very happy to do.

"He had a miserable time last season with injuries, he hardly did anything for the club or himself, and he regrets that.

"He wants to put his heart and soul into Newcastle United and I'm looking at the possibility of extending his contract.''

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