Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says overseas tours are critical to the growth of the club.
The Magpies are currently on tour in New Zealand and manager Pardew said it was an important step to growing the club's reputation abroad.
The 53-year-old told the Newcastle Chronicle: "It is important for us to grow our brand, we're a club that wants to compete in the Champions League.
"We are trying to do it in a way that's very difficult, because we're not throwing vast fortunes at transfers.
"We can't afford to do that, so we are trying to do it in a more educated way.
"Trying to bring in players that we think can make that step. This year we are as well set as at any time that I've been at the club."
