Newcastle manager Bobby Robson yesterday threatened to blow the lid off a new poaching scandal after claiming Olivier Bernard has been the subject of an illegal approach from another Premiership club. Newcastle v Everton Live on Sky Sports 1 (2.0)

The 69-year-old broke off from preparations for today's league clash with Everton at St James' Park to fire a shot across the bows of an unnamed club.

Robson hit out amid reports that the 22-year-old former Lyon defender was about to reject a new deal and walk away after 18 months on Tyneside.

"We've offered him a very good contract for his age and for his quality in position, and he's thinking about that," he said.

"We know that he's been tapped by another Premiership club and we will be reporting that Premiership club.

"We will not tell you who the club is. But we know that Bernard has been tapped, so we will report that club."

Bernard is included in the squad for today's game but whatever side Robson names he knows it is one United must win if they are to relaunch their challenge for Champions League qualification.

Newcastle have lost three of the five games they have played since the 1-0 win at Sunderland on February 24th and drawn the other two to see their hopes of championship success and FA Cup glory dashed.

But two of those defeats came against high-flying Arsenal and the third at Liverpool, and Robson insists there is still plenty to play for in the remaining weeks of the season.

Meanwhile, David Moyes insists Everton are still in danger of being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Two successive victories since he replaced Walter Smith as manager have raised the expectancy levels at Goodison Park.

But the former Preston boss is anxious to take a reality check as he prepares for the trip north. "We can't get carried away. We need to pick up more points to get a safety target," he said.

"The job has just begun, and the points we have (36) won't be enough to keep us in the Premiership.

Defender Steve Watson could return to face his former club after a run-out for the reserves in midweek following an ankle injury but midfielder Lee Carsley looks certain to miss out with a knee problem.

Moyes, however, is pleasantly surprised at how clear the treatment room is. "When I arrived everyone told me about an awful lot of injuries," he said.

"It is not the situation here at all.

"The players are all bursting to play, and I am enjoying the fact that is the way"