SUNDERLAND were last night charged with making an illegal approach for midfielder Sean Thornton, writes STEVEN BAKER.

Tranmere Rovers were furious when Thornton left Prenton Park for Wearside last summer and made an official complaint to the Football League in April.

A tribunal set Thornton's fee at an initial £225,000, which could rise to a maximum of £500,000. But Tranmere are believed to be unhappy with the low fee set, and hope the charge may force the fee paid to be increased.

Sunderland, whose chairman Bob Murray last month called Manchester United "despicable" for unsettling David Bellion, have now been charged with an alleged breach of Football League Regulation 66.

Thornton, 19, joined Sunderland after his contract expired, but he was still tied to Tranmere when he trained with the Premiership side last season.

Thornton has made four appearances for Sunderland's first team and has started each of their last two matches, against Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur.

A Sunderland spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the FA has charged us with making an illegal approach.

"We don't believe we have committed any offence and we will assist the FA fully with their enquiry. The next step for us now is to present our case and we will be filing a report within the next 14 days."

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