BLACK CATS SNARE FRENCH PRODIGY

Peter Reid has continued his squad strengthening programme, after capturing Lilian Laslandes, Nicolas Medina and Baki Mercimek, by landing the 18-year-old.

Paris-born Bellion has impressed The Black Cats, although he did not make a first-team appearance for the Second Division side last term, during their relegation campaign.

It is a wrench for the teenager to leave the club he has been with since signing as a schoolboy, but the opportunity to head for Wearside and a Premiership club has proved too good to resist.

Reid has shown a penchant for raiding the French market in the past, and he may yet resurrect a bid for Patrice Carteron, following his loan stint at Stadium of Light last season.

Meanwhile, Argentinian wonder-boy Medina is still awaiting international clearance in order to complete his move from Argentinos Juniors.