Liverpool have handed Academy trials to two youngsters from China.

Lung Chan, 16, and Chen Nal,15, arrived in the city on Wednesday ahead of a seven-day spell at the club's Academy.

The Academy's director of recruitment Stuart Webber explained the decision to invite the pair to Liverpool.

Webber told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It all came to fruition when Damien (Comolli) introduced me to a Chinese agent. He had some ideas that involved us going out to China to have a look at a few of their players.

"As a result, a few weeks ago, I went out there and watched them in action. I saw the two who are here now and decided to ask them to come over to the UK so we could have a look at them in our own environment to see what they are like playing with our players and in our conditions.

"Asia is a massive market for us to explore and if we ever get it right, it could be huge for us. You only have to look at what it has done at Manchester United with Ji-Sung Park.

"It would be fantastic if we could find a player of that quality. It would be fantastic for us and for the whole of Asia. There is such a passion for football over there and it would be great to be able to give something back to them if we can find a player who is good enough to make it here at Liverpool FC."

He added: "Both of these lads have done well so far. Obviously the language barrier is difficult and it is a different culture. But they have adapted well and their ability is beginning to shine through. It promises to be an interesting week for both them and us."