Singapore, February 13:

Liverpool are expected to play friendlies in Asia this year as new American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett target the Far East to promote their “brand” and capitalise on their investment.

In an interview with a Canadian newspaper, Gillett laid down his plans to make the most from the 470 million pounds that he and Hicks paid for the Premier League giants, and Asia is on their radar.

“Liverpool is the number one brand in Europe. If you go to the Far East, where Manchester United has historically been the number one brand, Chelsea has recently become quite popular,” he told the National Post.

“They have a global branding concept which involves playing a number of games in the Far East. “In that part of the world, Liverpool is number two and growing. We have had conversations with management in the last several months and I believe you will see Liverpool playing some friendlies in Asia. I think you’ll see Japan first in this coming year and then others beyond that.”

Liverpool have toured Thailand before and were in Japan for the World Club Championship in 2005. Premier League football is hugely popular across Asia and several clubs have made strides to cash in on the region’s untapped potential.

Manchester United, also in American hands, have toured Asia and are expected to be in Kuala Lumpur this summer after signing a sponsorship deal with Tourism Malaysia.