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Dundee United Hope to Cash in on Fan Zhiyi
Scottish premier league side Dundee boss Ivano Bonetti could cash in big-time if he signs transfer-listed Crystal Palace defender Fan Zhiyi, reports said Thursday in London.
Shanghai-born Fan is a hero in China and the Dark Blues could expect TV audiences of 100 million if they landed the highly-rated center-back.
They would also be in line for an Internet and merchandising bonanza if they tied him to a long-term deal.
Fan, the English first division side's player of the year last term, fell out with boss Steve Bruce in a row over international commitments.
The Eagles want around pounds 1 million for the 31-year-old but Dundee are hoping to get their man for half that amount.
Grimsby Town were saved from relegation when they signed Fan's team-mate and Chinese skipper Zhang Enhua on a four-month loan deal last season.
He wasn't there long enough to bring the cash pouring in but dramatically raised the club's overseas profile.
A Grimsby spokesman said: "In terms of wages he was expensive but he was brought here to help us stay up and that's what he did. Avoiding relegation means as much as 1 million to us.
"Having Zhang here certainly worked well for us. The manager was happy with him and I don't think anyone here would put others off going down that road."
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