Manchester United have secured a work permit for China
international Dong Fangzhou, leaving him free to begin his
Premiership career in the New Year.
The 21-year-old striker has only been able to play for United on
their pre-season tours since joining in January 2004, as he has not
had the paperwork necessary for him to play in England.
However, after spending three years on loan at Belgian feeder club
Royal Antwerp, during which time he won seven caps for China, Dong
has now been cleared to link up with United on a permanent
basis.
He will now head to Old Trafford on 1st January and Sir Alex
Ferguson is excited about what he will bring to United's title
push.
"Dong has been doing exceptionally well and scoring a lot of goals
at Antwerp," Ferguson told MUTV.
"He has great pace and power and the boy has a big chance."
United have also confirmed that six other loan players will return
to the club in January.
Lee Martin and Phil Bardsley will come back from Rangers, along
with Chris Eagles (NEC Nijmegen), Giuseppe Rossi (Newcastle) and
Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson, who have been playing alongside Dong
for Antwerp.
