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Manchester City could play game in Singapore as club courts Asian fans

Manchester City could be heading to Singapore to play an exhibition game, according to City Football Group's chief commercial officer Tom Glick.

Glick, who will speak at next week's All That Matters conference at Marina Bay Sands, added that Asian expansion is a big part of the group's plans.

"Doing more for the supporters' club in Singapore is an important aspect of what we'll focus on going forward," he told The Straits Times.

"We've played games on tour in Asia, and we'd love to play a game in Singapore. This is something that we will do in the future."

In July, Manchester City travelled to China to play games in the International Champions Cup. The match against Manchester United was cancelled, due to the poor state of the pitch in Beijing, but they faced Borussia Dortmund in Shenzhen, winning 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

In Southeast Asia, the City Football group opened a Singapore office last year to coordinate commercial operations.

In April, Indonesian automative company Astra Otoparts became City's official regional partner. The following month, Australia's Wolf Blass was appointed City's wine partner for Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Mexico.

Apart from Manchester City, City Football Group control New York City (Major League Soccer), Melbourne City (A-League) and Yokohama F. Marinos (J-League).

With the A-League beginning in October, Melbourne City have been boosted by the signing last month of former Premier League star, Tim Cahill, who is Australia's record scorer.

He took his international goal tally to 48 in 92 matches with the winner in Australia's 1-0 victory away to United Arab Emirates in a 2018 AFC World Cup qualifier in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night.

Glick was talking ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby. With an early kickoff of 7.30 p.m. Singapore-time, the game at Old Trafford to expected to attract a massive television audience across Asia.

He added that the arrival of Pep Guardiola as City manager before the start of the season has helped the club's global brand.

"He's a breath of fresh air to the club and brings a good vibe," he said.

"There's a renewed enthusiasm, excitement and work ethic around. He's always looking to improve and push boundaries to bring City to the next level. His get-up-and-go attitude gets the players moving.

"Our first reason to bring in Pep or any top player is to help us win. But of course, their star power undeniably attracts more fans and it's great to have the best of both worlds."

The abandonment of July's game in Beijing means that Guardiola will face up to his former La Liga rival Jose Mourinho for the first time with their new English clubs. Both Manchester City and Manchester United have begun the season with three consecutive victories to sit at the top of the table on nine points, along with Chelsea.

Man City are ahead on goal difference, from Chelsea and Man United.