Bellion considers Senegal approach

The 19-year-old has impressed in recent games, after managing to make the breakthrough at The Stadium of Light.

Bellion moved to Sunderland from Cannes last summer, but only made his first start against Aston Villa last month - when he grabbed the only goal of the game.

Paris-born Bellion has a French mother and Senegalese father, and now both countries are battling to get his commitment.

Bellion has been on stand-by for the France Under-21s in the past, but now Senegal want him to join their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

"I have a choice to make," said Bellion.

"I haven't played any games for France at any level, so I can still choose.

"At the moment I am leaning towards France, I don't have a Senegalese identity but I will wait before deciding."