SHENZHEN, May 17 -- PSV Eindhoven has turned down the opportunity to sign China left back Sun Xiang, the club’s Web site announced Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Sun moved to the Dutch champion in January on loan for the second half of the season.

The club had an option to sign him permanently for three years but chose not to take it, PSV spokesman Stan Valckx said Tuesday.

Sun, who had joined PSV from Shanghai club Shenhua, was in Bangkok on Tuesday preparing for a friendly international against Thailand.

Sun, a China international with 109 caps, made his PSV debut in February against Heracles Almelo.

In February, Sun became the first Chinese player to appear in the Champions League when he came on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Arsenal.

The China international collected a championship winner’s medal this season.

But PSV has baulked at meeting Shanghai’s asking price for him.