Man U targets its Chinese fans

MANCHESTER United is about to test David Beckham's worldwide popularity by creating an interactive Chinese language website in conjunction with internet group Terra Lycos.

The joint venture, which will be extended to other languages such as Spanish and Portuguese to target Latin America, is aimed at building the United brand - and increasing merchandise sales - through the creation of online communities'.

Terra Lycos operates in 43 countries with a market reach of 115m consumers a month. The move follows United's deal to establish at least 90 Reds branded cafes in the Far East, highlighting the club's ambitions in the region's potentially huge market.

The enormous marketing opportunities for clubs with star players was highlighted by Beckham's recent £82,000-a-week pay deal, which is believed to include £20,000 for his 'image rights'. United has led its English peers when it comes to cashing in on its brand.

However, last week's decision by the Office of Fair Trading to pursue allegations that United has been unfairly fixing prices for replica shirts puts further pressure on the club to maximise overseas sales.