Blues to tour Hong Kong and China

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish will seek advice from Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson before touring Hong Kong and China next pre-season.

Blues plan to play up to four friendlies during a two-week stay in Carson Yeung's homeland as Blues' new owner, who has already tied up an £8million kit deal with Chinese sportswear brand Xtep for next season, attempts to tap into the lucrative Far East markets.

McLeish is looking forward to the trip and revealed plans to speak with Ferguson, his manager from his playing days at Aberdeen, with the United manager having already overseen successful tours of the Far East.

The Blues boss said: "We're delighted to go and fly the flag. We've discussed the organisation of it now for a few weeks and I'm sure it will be an exciting venture for the club.

"Of course, we have to make sure that our preparation is the best possible, especially for next season when people will be judging us and wondering 'can they do it all again?' after what we have managed to achieve so far this season.

"I will be speaking to Sir Alex to get his experience of the tours to the Far East, to help ensure that we do things the right way and the players get the correct preparation.

"There's the humidity for a start and you have to be careful of the travelling demands. Carson and the board understand that you can't go over there from pillar to post.

"But, that said, I appreciate the need to promote the club in Hong Kong and China, myself and my staff will do as much as we possibly can to help and, when the time is right, so will the players."