SUNDERLAND forward David Bellion has a lunch date with Sir Alex Ferguson in the south of France on Monday to finalise details of his move to Manchester United.

Free agent Bellion will chew the fat with Ferguson and the player's Monaco-based agent Mike Morris before officially signing for United on July 1 after his contract with the Black Cats runs out.

Bellion has already agreed terms with United, but the Premiership champions must pay relegated Sunderland compensation for the 20-year-old Frenchman and the matter will be settled by an independent tribunal.

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray is still bitter about the manner of Bellion's departure after effectively accusing United of poaching the pacey Parisian.

Murray launched a scathing attack on United early this year after Bellion went AWOL.

United were branded "despicable'' and "shabby'' as Murray claimed they had exerted an unsettling influence over Bellion.

Murray also reported United to the Premier League to complain about their conduct, but Old Trafford chiefs refuted suggestions of an illegal approach.

Bellion, who rejected a new three-year deal which the Wearsiders claim would have guaranteed him a 500 per cent pay increase, was sent to the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall for treatment on "mystery'' injuries.

But he cut short his stay to return to France, claiming his mother was ill and that he was "mentally not right'' to play for his club.

Bellion started only two more games for Sunderland, the last being the 1-0 home derby defeat by Newcastle in April.

Sunderland turned down a £500,000 offer - rising to £1m - from Manchester United during January's transfer window and Murray also revealed that Liverpool had tabled a bid.

The Black Cats are entitled to compensation for Bellion because he is under 24 and they have helped develop his talent in the two years since he was signed by former boss Peter Reid from Cannes on a free transfer.