Chinese Take-Away

By Paul Holland
May 30 2002

United are set to make more link-ups with China, which could involve new players coming to The Lane with a little help from their new sponsors.

The Chinese soft drinks firm Desun will plough money into United, and it is widely expected that The Blades may benefit by getting some of the country's top players at Bramall Lane after the deal was signed last week.

Sheffield-based agent Sue Tham, who is registered by FIFA, has hinted that United and some Chinese clubs could join forces, and the prospect of raising The Blades' profile abroad in a country of more than 1.3billion people could open a brand new window for merchandising and commerce.

Tham represents a number of Chinese players and many who are bound for the World Cup with the national squad.

Players could be brought over on loan or even permanent deals if they impress Neil Warnock should any sort of deal go ahead.

United had striker Hoa Hai-dong on trial from Dalian Shide on trial a few years ago, but despite making an appearance in a practice game, nothing came of their interest.