Jihai to a Grasshopper? Manchester City add Swiss outfit to their global alliance

After announcing partnership deals with South Africa's Thanda Royal Zulu, Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shen Hua and FC Moscow earlier this week, renowned Swiss outfit Grasshoppers are among the latest batch of clubs to agree to work with City.

Well-supported A-League side Perth Glory, plus Chonburi, a Thai representative in keeping with the nationality of City owner Thaksin Shinawatra have also joined the throng.

The clubs will share expertise by working together in areas including coaching exchanges and youth tournaments, plus coaching and player analysis techniques and improving player rehabilitation.

Ties between City and its partner clubs will also be strengthened through improved commercial and marketing opportunities and initiatives.

An integral aspect of Thaksin's strategy is to be in a position to bring the cream of Asia's young talent to the club.

And he has used the successful transition of City's Chinese defender Sun Jihai to English football as an example for young Asian stars to aspire to.

He told the club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "I plan eventually to establish Manchester City Football Club academies in Asia, firstly in my home nation of Thailand, then in China.

"The Academies are designed to identify and foster talented Asian youth and give them new opportunities in life through the beautiful game of football.

"It's my hope that they will become as famous in their own country as our City star Sun Jihai is to China and that young Chinese prospects will follow his shining example.

"Jihai has helped City become a better known club in China."

City also announced the signing of three Thailand internationals.

The trio, who all had trials with the club in August, are Kiatprawut Saiwaew, Suree Sukha and Teerasil Dangda. They featured for Thailand at the Asian Cup in the summer.

Both Perth and Grasshoppers have expressed an interest in hosting the players.