Manchester United striker David Bellion is to make his loan to French side Nice a permanent move, the Premier League club said today.

The Frenchman, signed by United for £2.0 million sterling (€2.8 million) from Sunderland in 2003, has been on loan to the Ligue 1 club since January after failing to become a first-team regular at United.

"We have agreed for the permanent transfer of David Bellion's registration to Nice on the opening day of the French transfer window on 1 July for an undisclosed fee," United said on their website.

"Everyone at the club wishes David all the best in his future career."

Bellion, 23, made a total of 40 appearances for United, scoring eight goals.