January 8 2001

Crystal Palace

It is reported that Crystal Palace manager will fly to Italy to sign Sun Jihai, Li Ming and Zhang Enhua. They will face Lazio in a friendly with the Chinese national side tomorrow.

Alan Smith will be attending the friendly game at the Olympic stadium in Rome on Tuesday evening and will return to London after the game as he continues to prepare for the Worthington Cup semi-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.

It is understood that Smith wil use his time in Italy to finalise the deals and sign the Chinese trio.

Enhua, who is currently on loan at Grimsby Town will be available at around £1 million. It is not likely that Grimsby will have that sort of money to keep the Chinese skipper at Blundell Park.

Sun Jihai, who would make his return to Selhurst Park if the deal goes ahead, is still being targetted by Newcastle United.

Also today, goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko was praised by his manager Alan Smith.

Alan Smith believes that his keeper, who had a man-of-the-match performance against Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday, will only get better once his English starts to improve.

The Palace gaffer said: "He doesn't speak English and he's nervous off the pitch. But, when he starts to communicate better he'll be a good 'keeper."

Palace skipper Dean Austin said: "If anyone can understand Alex they're doing well.

"The problem is he's a committed 15st bloke, who comes for everything, but doesn't call!"