SUNDERLAND will put their case for a £1million fee for David Bellion next month.
The French striker's Stadium of Light contract ran out in the summer, and he moved to Manchester United.
Sunderland, who turned down £500,000 for the player from Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson in the January transfer window, are asking for £1mi
llion for the former Cannes player, who featured in United's 5-0 Champions League rout of Panathinaikos this week.
Sunderland believe they have a strong case, as Bellion was offered a new contract by the club. The rules state that if a player aged under 24 has been offered a new deal, his former club is entitled to compensation if he decides to move on.
The Football League Appeals Committee will meet in London on October 16 to discuss the issue and determine a compensation fee.
Bellion, signed by former boss Peter Reid in 2001, made only eight starts for Sunderland in his two seasons on Wearside, adding 16 substitute appearances and scoring once, the winner against Aston Villa last September. He turns 21 in November.
H Sunderland legend Gary Rowell's appearance at the Chester-le-Street Supporters branch of SAFC has been put back to next month.
The goalscoring hero (pictured) was due to speak at a meeting on Friday, September 26 but that has now been put back to Friday, October 17.
Tickets sold for the original date are still valid for the rescheduled night, with the meeting taking place at the usual venue, Relton Workingmen's Club.
The meeting begins at 7.30pm with tickets a bargain at only £2. Simon Crabtree will also be there on the night. Anyone who wants tickets should contact Kevin Atkinson on (0788) 792 1726.
