Paris Saint-Germain targets Chinese market

Paris Saint-Germain has become the latest European club to focus its attention towards Chinese fans.

A photo taken on August 6, 2015 in Paris, shows a partial view of the new jersey of the Paris Saint Germain (PSG) football team. [File Photo: AFP/FRANCK FIFE]

That's according to The Guardian newspaper, who reported in a blog post that the French side has foregone its traditional pre-season tour to America in favour of an opportunity to play in front of Asian fans.

According to the report, the club has even hired a team of local experts to explore business opportunities in China.

Leading European clubs are increasingly trying to engage with the growing number of fans in China.

For example, Manchester City Football Club recently launched an online FIFA team in China, in what it described a 'historic' development.

Set to play in the FSL Online Star League, the team will consist of five players, including Zhang Jun, last season's Most Valuable Player, as well as Aruya and Liu Chao, who have both excelled in the FSL over the past two seasons.

The club also revealed that fans could have the chance to fill the remaining two slots in the team:

"For a chance to participate in the competition, which is open to supporters in China, follow Manchester City's WeChat account, "mcfcofficial", and register to find out more about the selection process in the coming weeks."

Manchester City isn't the only British club to have made an innovative attempt to engage with Chinese fans.

Indeed, last year Everton entered into a pioneering arrangement with a Chinese bank.

The Premier League Club has signed a three year deal with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in a deal worth £60 million.

It will enable Everton to have significantly improved financial flexibility, and to borrow money at attractive rates of interest.

In broader terms, it could allow the club enhanced funds to buy new players and refinance existing debt commitments.