DAVID BELLION has dealt a massive blow to Sunderland's relegation battle by telling Howard Wilkinson he is not in the right frame of mind to play for the club and wants to quit Wearside.

With Manchester United keen to sign Bellion, the 20-year-old has been ruled out of Wilkinson's plans as the Sunderland manager plots their route to safety.

The Black Cats will hold talks with United next week about a possible deal for the Frenchman, whose contract will expire in June.

But Bellion, one of the few bright spots to emerge from a miserable 2002 for Sunderland, may never play for the club again after admitting he has decided to leave.

Wilkinson said last night: "David has stated his desire to leave. He has also stated that, in his head, he doesn't think he can deal with the situation sufficiently well enough to give Sunderland his best.

"It's not our decision any more; it's in the hands of someone else.

"If he leaves before June, it's got to be for money. But I've lost a player and I haven't got anything for him."

Bellion, who has told Wilkinson he is suffering from a heel injury, has not played for Sunderland since December 23.

The prospect of losing Bellion at the end of his contract made Wilkinson even more determined to give Kevin Kyle a three-year extension to his contract this week.

Wilkinson added: "We need to keep our best players and I didn't want to wake up to another David Bellion scenario."

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