Enhua happy to be a Mariner

Zhang Enhua is happy to stay at Grimsby for now

Chinese captain Zhang Enhua has played down reports that he is about to join Crystal Palace from Grimsby Town.

Central defender Enhua, 27, joined the Mariners on a four-month loan in November from Dalian Shide.

Palace are currently close to finalising a £2.8m deal for China internationals Sun Jihai and Li Ming and were reported as being interested in Enhua.

Fellow China international Fan Zhiyi has already been a huge success with the London club.

Enhua has played for his country 90 times and has impressed Grimsby boss Lennie Lawrenson since arriving at Blundell Park.

Despite overtures from Crystal Palace, it appears the player is happy to stay at Grimsby.

Lawrence has now received assurances from Zhang's agent Sam Xie Qiang that he is not seeking a move.

Zhang was with the Chinese national squad for Wednesday's friendly game with Lazio but will be back in the Mariners line up for Saturday's match at home to Crewe.

Staying

Qiang said: "Zhang is fine with the current situation. He says everyone at Grimsby Town has been very kind to him.

"He is training hard and he can still do better in the future games.

"It is said in the newspapers that Zhang Enhua wanted to move to Crystal Palace but Zhang tells me that this news is nonsense.

"Zhang wants to concentrate on his job with Grimsby Town now and he is not willing to go to Crystal Palace," he added.