The Liverpool Echo is reporting that Nike's new sponsorship deal with Liverpool could see them head to Asia during next pre-season.

What's the story? 

The Reds confirmed their new deal with the US company in January of this year, bringing to an end their previous agreement with New Balance.

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Now, it is being reported that they may head to the Far East as they look to extend their fanbase in the area. The report explains: "The ECHO understands a return to the Far East has been discussed with the Reds potentially heading to Asia as Premier League champions in July.

"A glamorous friendly in China could be an option for Liverpool as they seek to expand their fanbase in the area after entering into business with kit manufacturers Nike.

"Nike's sales in China grew by as much as 27 per cent in 2018 and Liverpool are well-placed to exploit such an increase as they begin a new five-year deal with the American giants in June."

Liverpool must be careful

This is likely to be a lucrative deal for the Anfield outfit. They will initially earn £30m a year, but there is scope for them to eventually earn up to £70m - that is considerably more than the £40m they received per year with New Balance.

However, whilst this latest report does not indicate that it is Nike who have demanded that they make a trip to Asia, Liverpool must be careful not let any sponsorship deal cloud their judgement as they go in search of increased revenue and exposure. There has already been speculation that this partnership may lead to Nike wanting a high-profile signing to come in - something which could disrupt the harmony of a side that is closing in on an inevitable Premier League title as they lead by 22 points at the top - and aiming to travel to the other side of the globe to "expand their fanbase" could lead down a dangerous path.

Look at Manchester United. They have the biggest commercial partnership portfolio in the Premier League with a value of £275m - yet they are struggling to compete on the pitch as they lie 38 points adrift of the Reds. Many Liverpool fans may find it unimaginable that they could end up in such a position, but the Red Devils were champions of the division less than 10 years ago - Liverpool finished seventh in 2012-13, the season of the Old Trafford outfit's last title.

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Things can change quickly in football, and taking your eye off what happens on the pitch can be dangerous. That, obviously, is not the case yet, for the European champions but if they do travel to Asia before the start of the next campaign, they need to make sure that it is in Jurgen Klopp's and the team's best interests first - not Nike's.

Meanwhile, this Liverpool starlet could be given a new bumper deal.