Sunderland have insisted striker David Bellion will not complete a �3m move to Manchester United during the January transfer window.

It had been reported that negotiations between the clubs were at an advanced stage,

Bellion can leave The Stadium of Light on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Sir Alex Ferguson ready to test Sunderland's resolve to hang on to the gifted French striker.

But Sunderland issued a statement reading: "While there has been a lot of talk about David Bellion in relation to his current position and a potential move in January, we do not anticipate anything happening.

"David is contracted to the club until the end of the season and it would not be in the club's best interests to allow him to leave."

The 20-year-old has apparently impressed Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson despite only making five starts this season.

Bellion was signed for Sunderland by former boss Peter Reid on a Bosman free transfer from Cannes in 2001.