Southampton will tour China this preseason.

The news was announced at the Soccerex Convention in China where it was reported the Saints will make the trip to the Far East in July.

The south coast club were purchased by Chinese businessman Gao Jinsheng for £210m - for an 80 per cent stake in the club - earlier this season.

TheSouthampton Daily Echo believe it is unlikely Southampton's potential relegation from the Premier League will effect their owner's plans to raise the profile of the club.

Part of the reason for building this profile comes from Gao's company, Lander Sports, and their plan to build 10 sporting academies around China, using the Saints expertise to assist their construction.