Zhang - Lennie Speaks

By: Stephen Bateman
Date: 10/01/2001

Lennie Lawrence has spoken out over recent speculation suggesting that Zhang Enhua may be about to sign for Crystal Palace. The Mariners boss also hinted that although the Chinese international may be accompanied by a weighty price-tag, it might be one that the Mariners would be wise to bear.

As the footballing world focused in on China's friendly with Lazio last night, Lawrence spoke of the defender's commitment, whilst also looking ahead to the future: "I think he's committed and he wants to do it here. When you mess about like that you don't get anywhere," said Lawrence of the 27-year old, who is currently under contract with Grimsby until April. Present at last night's friendly fixture in Rome was Palace boss Alan Smith, who watched as Zhang netted twice for the Chinese in a 6-3 defeat. Speaking of the Eagles' interest in Enhua, Lawrence went on to say: "If Palace are looking to bring in three or four Chinese players then he has to be one of them because he's in the top three. "I would like to think we will be offered him first. If a Premiership club comes in, we can't compete, but if it's somebody like Palace I'd like to think we're in a better position to compete." The Mariners boss continued by hinting that he may well try and secure Enhua's services on a permanent basis, although he is prepared to wait until the summer before entering any negotiations: "If the time comes and he wanted to stay we'd try and do it, but if he does really well for us he might end up in the Premiership. "I've not fixed a fee because it's going to be a substantial one and I don't want to put the club under any pressure. It would cost us big wages and a big fee and he's still of an age where you could sell him on. "But that's something for the summer and there's no pressure from me to do that now."

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