ANGRY Leeds United have accused Olivier Bernard of reneging on an agreement to sign for them before the French defender rejoined Newcastle yesterday.

Bernard was released by Rangers, and Leeds thought they had got their man until Newcastle hijacked the free transfer.

Shaun Harvey, Leeds' chief executive officer, said: "We had hoped to complete the signing of Olivier Bernard on Friday morning, after waiting for the player to agree cancellation of his contract at Rangers.

"Terms were agreed with him to join Leeds, subject only to him passing a medical, which was scheduled to take place at 9.30am. He has since reneged on the agreement reached on Thursday night and joined Newcastle United.

"We are both disappointed and relieved, as we would have very much liked Bernard to strengthen our squad, but if he did not want to play for Leeds United it is better to find out now, as we are only interested in players who are fully committed to the club."

Leeds pulled out of a loan move for Stephan Andersen, Charlton's Danish international goalkeeper, after Tony Warner agreed to extend his loan from Fulham until January 1.

Charlton announced on their official website that the loan arrangement had gone ahead, but they jumped the gun and the Dane will not be making the move to Elland Road.

Warner has played in United's first five Championship matches of the season, deputising for the injured Neil Sullivan.

Eirik Bakke has joined Brann Bergen on a free transfer from Leeds after the Norwegian international agreed a pay-off.