Shanghai Shenhua have turned down Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven's loan bid for Sun Xiang.

The Dutch side announced on Monday they would sign the Chinese international full back on loan for $187,500 with a view to a $1,250,000 transfer, but Wu Yinan, general-manager of Shenhua, nixed the deal.

"We are not going to release the player," said Wu. "I think it is very risky for Sun and also for the club to join PSV on loan."

Another Shenhua player Du Wei was in a similar position in 2005 with Scottish side Celtic, who took him on loan but eventually decided not to make the deal permanent.

Wu expressed concern Sun will be in the same situation.

"We are not a club only focused on money, $187,500 or $200,000, that's not what we want the most," he said. "As manager of the club, I always support my players going overseas but I don't want Sun to be sacked after six months like Du, that's a complete waste of time."

The Shanghai side will seek to go one better at home this year after their qualification for the Asian Champions League. The upcoming tight schedule is believed to be another reason for not releasing Sun.

The 24-year-old joined PSV's training camp in November last year with his twin brother Sun Ji.

The duo had already been invited for a trial at PSV earlier in 2005, but did not attend due to Chinese Super League commitments.

Sun Xiang also trained with English Premier League side Wigan Athletic in 2005.

(China Daily January 10, 2007)