LIVERPOOL have announced a major summer tour of Asia, as the club looks to further expand its appeal in the far East.

The three-game tour, to take place in July, will encompass games in China, Malaysia and Korea, and follows the Reds’ hugely successful tour of Thailand and Singapore back in 2009.

Liverpool’s new managing director Ian Ayre, who has been working actively in the Asian market for the past four years, said: "The last tour in 2009 was a real success and we’re delighted that we are returning this summer after a break last year due to the World Cup.

"Nothing beats watching the team live and by visiting China, Malaysia and Korea, we are allowing fans from all three countries to experience just that. We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered and our other partners in the region to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the announcement is good news, and says the support the club receives in Asia is "amazing".

"Whenever we go to Asia, the fans are always amazing," said Gerrard. "The supporters over there are fanatical about Liverpool and it’s great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play."

Liverpool will play games in Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul during the tour, with further details expected to be announced soon.

Gavin Laws, Group Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered, the club’s main sponsor, said: "We are very excited about Liverpool FC’s Asia tour. It is fantastic news for Liverpool FC’s fans in Asia and yet another sign of the commitment of the Club and Standard Chartered to the region. We are looking forward to some great football in July."

The club has also announced that US basketball star LeBron James has become a minority shareholder, after a deal was agreed between Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and James’ sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding and Marketing.

The deal will see FSG become the global representative for the Miami Heat star, one of the NBA’s most famous faces, in exchange for a small stake in Liverpool.

The 26-year-old James told the Wall Street Journal: "The first time I stepped on an NBA court I became a businessman. This is a great opportunity for me."

He added: "Eighteen championships! I see myself trying to do the same things they have," whilst stating that he was "humbled" by the deal, and could not wait to visit Anfield.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said of the link-up: "There are very few athletes who can match his global reach, appeal and iconic status. Without (FSG) purchasing Liverpool, we never would have been able to have this conversation.

"We feel the business opportunities for both working and being identified together in emerging international markets will result in unforeseen opportunities that neither would have been able to realise alone."

In a statement, FSG said it will "aggressively explore global business opportunities for LRMR and LeBron James, future business, marketing, endorsement and philanthropic endeavors all over the globe", whilst LRMR chief executive Maverick Carter believes the club’s philosophy fits "perfectly" with that of his business partner.

"These guys have unmatched skills when it come to marketing and selling on a global basis," Carter said of FSG.

"I can’t even explain the level of excitement that we have right now. As far as my business career goes, it’s one of the most exciting times. And the opportunity for growth for us is huge. The guys at FSG understand it too and they probably see it even more than we