United confirm striker sale

David Bellion will complete a permanent move from Manchester United to Nice.

David Bellion will complete a permanent move from Manchester United to Nice on July 1.

The Old Trafford club have confirmed the Frenchman will depart for an undisclosed fee after failing to prove he was capable of fighting for a regular first team place at United.

The Red Devils paid Sunderland around £2 million for the forward in 2003, but he was loaned to West Ham earlier this season before heading for the Cote d'Azur during January's transfer window. The fee to Sunderland would have risen to £3 million but various appearance and international clauses were not reached.

A permanent deal has been thrashed out between the two clubs and Bellion will start next season as a Nice player.

United have wished the speedy striker well in Ligue 1 in an official statement released on their website.