Sunderland have accepted a compensation package from Manchester United for French striker David Bellion. The deal includes an initial £2m fee payable immediately and could rise to £3m depending on appearances and international call-ups. The Black Cats will also benefit from any future transfer of Bellion due to a sell-on clause in the deal. "We're happy with the package and feel that it is entirely deserved as we lost an exciting and talented young player," said Sunderland chairman Bob Murray. "It is to the benefit of both clubs that we have been able to reach an agreement without the need for a tribunal. "We were very disappointed to lose David as he is a player who should make a good name for himself in the future, but wish him every success." Bellion, who moved to the Stadium of Light from Cannes in 2001, rejected an improved Sunderland contract when his deal ran out in the summer and moved to Old Trafford in July. Ferguson faces hearing Under Premier League and Nationwide League rules a club is entitled to compensation if the out-of-contract player is under 24 and moves to another club. Bellion made just three starts for the Wearsiders, but was used as a substitute 15 times and netted the winner in the home game against Aston Villa last season - his only goal for the club. He has only played a peripheral role for United so far this season, although he made a goalscoring debut in the pre-season defeat of Celtic in Seattle. Sunderland turned down bids from United and Liverpool for the highly-rated forward last season. Murray accused the Old Trafford club of unsettling the youngster and trying to get him on the cheap during the January transfer window. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
