Sunderland have received a date from The Football League for David Bellion’s tribunal.
Bellion was out of contract at the Stadium of Light when he moved to Manchester United at the end of last season.
But rules state that if a young player has been offered a new deal, his former club is entitled to compensation if he decides to move on.
The Football League Appeals Committee will meet on October 16 in London to discuss the issue and determine a compensation fee.
The news puts an end to rumours that originated over the summer that Sunderland were not entitled to take the matter to a tribunal because they had allegedly failed to notify Bellion of the terms of his improved contract before a pre-set date.
A club spokesman said at the time, “We made a formal offer to David through his agent in January which reflected his future valuation and his potential and it was a much-improved contract offer.
“His agent, Mike Morris, rejected this offer in writing at the end of January and we have copies of both letters.”
