Sunderland will receive at least £2 million sterling compensation from Manchester United after losing French striker David Bellion to the premier league club.
If the 20-year-old is called up for his country, United will also have to pay up to a further £1 million in a caveat that will also take into account first team appearances.
A spokesman for Sunderland, relegated to division one last season, said on Thursday that the compensation was in line with premier league and football league rules regarding young players signed on free contracts.
The rule states that clubs who lose out-of-contract players under the age of 24 are entitled to compensation, as long as the player involved had received an offer of a new contract in writing.
Sunderland had offered Bellion an improved contract in accordance with these requirements, the club said on Thursday, but this was rejected.
Sunderland chairman Bob Murray said the club was happy with the deal for the player they signed from French club Cannes in 2001, but that the player would be missed.
"We were very disappointed to lose David as he is a player who should make a good name for himself in the future, but wish him every success."