Manchester City hoping to boost profile in China by agreeing a pre-season tour in Asia

Manchester City are hopeful of further strengthening their ties with China by agreeing a pre-season tour in Asia.

The Premier League champions want to secure a stronghold in the region and are in the process of adding a club in Chengdu to City Football Group’s (CFG) portfolio.

Club chiefs were mindful that the last two summers have been spent in America and that a return to China is required to boost their profile in what is viewed as a crucial market.

Manchester City are hopeful of strengthening their ties with China by agreeing a pre-season tour in Asia

A Chinese consortium, CMC, owns 13 per cent of CFG after a £265million investment and City opened a second office in the country earlier this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to play at least three matches there in July, with the potential of another stop elsewhere on the continent. Japan has been mooted as a possible destination.

City’s last trip to China, in 2016, was ill-fated after the postponement of the glamorous friendly against Manchester United due to adverse weather conditions.

The rivals are not expected to meet this summer, despite United also weighing up a jaunt to Asia as part of their pre-season plans, which take them to Australia.

Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to play at least three matches in China in July