Chelsea Football Club are in pursuit of an Asian football star of the future.

The club in conjunction with the Football Association, Kick It Out and the Asian Media Group have launched the Search for an Asian Soccer Star.

It will consist of open trials for budding football stars with Asian backgrounds and will take place in May, with the most talented payers being rewarded with a three-day trial at Chelsea's academy.

"We realise that there is a lack of representation of players from Asian backgrounds within the game and we hope that the competition will help inspire Asian youngsters," said former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux.

"We want to show that race is no barrier to joining our club and that opportunities for Asian players do exist. We are proud of the religious and racial diversity at Chelsea and it is important that all clubs share our ambition that players should only be judged on their talent and their potential."