China Dates Announced

Everton Officials have today confirmed plans for a post-season tour of China, with two friendlies likely to be played in the city of Shenzhen on the 23rd and the 25th May respectively.

Confirmation of the dates and the opposition for both games will be announced at a major press conference that will be held in the Far East during the first week of April.

Although English clubs have visited the Far East before, interest in Everton¡¦s visit will be heightened even further with the golden boy of Chinese football, Li Tie, included in David Moyes¡¦ squad.

As well as providing an excellent opportunity for the players to wind down after a hectic Premiership season, the visit could also provide the club with excellent commercial opportunities.

"It was part of an agreement with Kejian that we would take the first team squad to China at the earliest opportunity," explained Ian Ross, Everton¡¦s Head of PR and Corporate Affairs.

"The club's profile in China is now exceedingly high and it really will be interesting to see what the response is when we arrive in the Far East.

"We are constantly being told that Everton is now - without question - the most popular European club in China, well, we will find out whether rumour is fact in mid-May.

"Our link-up with Kejian has proved mutually-beneficial. Everton is now a household name in China whilst millions of people in this country are now fully acquainted with what it is Kejian does.

"Even more now than ever, football is a global sport, a global business. The Chinese market is, thus far, relatively untapped but there are many, many possibilities out there and if China is, indeed, now ready to fully embrace European football, we at Everton want to ensure that we stand right at the front of the queue."

To compliment the trip, Everton have organised an official travel package which will leave on Monday 19th May and return in the early hours of Tuesday 27th May.

It will consist of 3 nights in Hong Kong and 3 nights in Shenzhen. It includes return flights from Heathrow, quality accommodation (equivalent of 4 star), all transfers (to hotel and to the games), 2 x top priced match tickets and Visas organised. The price is ¢G799. (Transfers from Manchester to Heathrow can be arranged from ¢G70)

Places can be guaranteed with a ¢G50 deposit, by ringing 0870 794 1878 and asking for the China tour package. Please direct any questions to this number or chinatour@evertonfc.com