MANCHESTER United are ready to make Sunderland a final take-it-or-leave-it offer for David Bellion, pictured, in a bid to avert a transfer tribunal.
The 20-year-old French forward moved to Old Trafford this month after becoming a free agent.
But as he is under 24, Sunderland are entitled to compensation for helping to hone his talent.
The Black Cats rejected a £500,000 down payment from United in January in a deal that would have ultimately been worth £1m.
Chairman Bob Murray claimed United had effectively tapped Bellion, who turned down Sunderland's offer of a new three-year deal, and complained to the Premier League about the Red Devils' "despicable'' and "shabby'' conduct.
But Northern Echo SPORT understands that United chief executive Peter Kenyon is keen to cut through the lingering acrimony and urge cash-starved Sunderland to accept around £250,000, a sum they might realistically receive at a tribunal.
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