Spurs reveal pre-season plans

Tottenham have confirmed their pre-season preparations will include travelling to Beijing next month for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

Harry Redknapp’s men will face West Ham on July 29 with the winners facing Hull or Beijing Guoan two days later, with all matches at the Workers Stadium, which was used for the Olympics last year.

Redknapp, who lifted the trophy with Portsmouth in Hong Kong in 2007, said: “It is a great opportunity for fans from China to get to come and watch their favourite players in action.

“I really enjoyed the last time I was involved in the competition with Portsmouth two years ago in Hong Kong. It was a great few days in terms of preparation for the new season and I was really impressed with everything.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, emphasising the importance of China, added: “The development of the game in China is critical to football’s future as the world’s sport of choice.”

Redknapp, meanwhile, is expected to busy in the transfer market before the tournament as he shapes his squad for his first full season at White Hart Lane.

Fringe players such as Giovani dos Santos and Kevin-Prince Boateng are not needed, while Didier Zokora could leave for Sevilla if a price can be agreed.