West Ham in talks with Liverpool and Southampton to face Shanghai SIPG in the Asia Trophy this summer
The Hammers are expected to go to the Far East in July for the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong and Shanghai
WEST Ham are in talks with Liverpool and Southampton over playing in a mini preseason tournament against Shanghai SIPG this summer.
Slaven Bilic's side are expected to go to the Far East in July for the Asia Trophy set to be played in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The Hammers are unable to play any money-spinning friendlies at the London Stadium this summer because of the World Championships in Athletics.
The tournament – which has been shown on Sky Sports in the morning in previous years – will take place between July 20 and 22.
Hong Kong Football Association chief executive Mark Sutcliffe said: “Extensive discussions have taken place between the HKFA and the EPL over the last few months and an agreement in principle has been reached.
“Final arrangements can’t be confirmed yet because the EPL is also in discussion with the mainland authorities regarding one of the match days being held in China.
“We understand these discussions are also at an advanced stage and an announcement with final details is expected within the next few weeks.”
Premier League chiefs are thrashing out details of the Asia Trophy, but Liverpool are all-but-confirmed to be there.
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West Ham want to follow them as they see it as solid preparation for 2017/18 Premier League season and exposure abroad for the club.
A Hammers source added: “We can't play at home this summer because of the athletic's, so we need to go abroad for preseason.
“The Hong Kong Football Association are still finalising details with the Premier League for the event. We hope to be there.”
Shanghai SIPG are managed by ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas and have former Blues star Oscar and Brazilian ace Hulk in their team.