Sun sets date for City reunion

Sun Jihai will link up with his Manchester City team-mates in Thailand on Monday after finally receiving a new work permit.

The 27-year-old, now recovered from the cruciate ligament injury that kept him out of the final seven months of last season, had been forced to stay at home in China after his work permit was subject of an unexpected delay.

City have now managed to cut through the red tape, but with his side due to depart for Bangkok on Sunday, manager Stuart Pearce has opted not to ask the former Crystal Palace defender to make the journey to England.

It means the Chinese international will miss tomorrow’s friendly at Tranmere, and the game at Macclesfield on Saturday, but will be available for the FA Premier League Asia Trophy clash with Bolton on July 20.