Every two years, the Premier League Asia Trophy sees three sides from the Premier League and one local outfit play out a mini tournament.
In 2017, this will be split across Hong Kong and Shanghai, with West Ham in talks to join Liverpool and Southampton in the competition ClaretandHugh understand.
West Ham were last involved in the Premier League Asia Trophy in 2009, with Hull City, Spurs and Chinese Super League team Beijing Guoan. On that occasion Spurs beat West Ham 1–0 in the first semi final who went on to win the Trophy in the final with Hull.
If talks are successful this year’s involvement will no doubt prove a money-spinning venture for West Ham who will have to forgo a lucrative home pre-season friendly match at the London Stadium due to the World Athletics championships being staged between July and late August.
The Hong Kong Football Association is still finalising details with the Premier League for the July event. HKFA chief executive Mark Sutcliffe said they were close to reaching a deal with the Premier League.
“Extensive discussions have taken place between the HKFA and the EPL over the last few months and an agreement in principle has been reached,” he said.
“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.”
