The Blades have, historically, become the first club to buy another football club this week. United acquired Chengdu Five Bull FC, to further strengthen their links in China. A Blades youth academy was recently opened up to groom any potential stars and during pre-season, Neil Warnock was even persuaded not to take his side for their usual workout in Cornwall, instead opting to travel across the World.
The signing of Chinese footballing legend Hao Haidong was the first step in what is proving to be a worthwhile exercise. Also, Chinese international Zhang Yaokun is currently trialling at Bramall Lane with hopes of winning a permanent contract. Yaokun has been capped more than 30 times by his national side and commented on the good effect he feels British football has had on his international team-mates Sun Jihai and Li Tie.
??When the English-based China players return to the national side you can see a big difference in them and that is one of the main reasons why I would like to play over here.?? Yaokun told the official site.
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