BOLTON Wanderers have set themselves a new transfer target - to capitalise on a growing market in China.

While the Whites prepare for their first away game in European competition next week, in Bulgaria, the club chief executive Allan Duckworth will be leading a Wanderers delegation into central China.

A statement from the club says Wanderers chiefs aim "to create new income streams, enhance their international profile and attract hundreds of thousands of new supporters".

Mr Duckworth will fly out with commercial director Gareth Moores, community director Geoff Lomax and senior community coach Steve Orbitelli for the six-day visit. The delegation will be welcomed in Shenyang, capital of Liaoing Province in North-eastern China by officals from Liaoning FC.

Wanderers bosses have been cultivating a relationship with the Chinese side for several years.

The delegation will then fly more than 1,000 miles to central China to meet intended long-term partners Wuhan FC - one of Chinas top four teams.

Lynx Group International was recently appointed as Bolton's agents in China.

Lynx director Steve Bellis said: "Bolton are a breath of fresh air in the China market.

"Their long-term strategy is admirable and, of course, their on field success has attracted the attention of the Chinese.

"The Chinese admiration for Big Sam will also add to the warmth of the welcome awaiting the Wanderers delegation."

Wuhan general manager Chen Xu Dong said: "Like ourselves, Bolton have made great progress during the last few years and we all greatly admire their methods, particularly those of Mr Allardyce.

"We hope we can develop a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Bolton and we look forward to meeting their delegation along with our good friends from the Lynx Group."

P

art of the visit will see Mr Lomax and Mr Orbitelli being given the chance to coach the Wuhan first team, their youth team and some local school teams.