Man City set to visit both Japan and Thailand on a pre-season tour this summer

Manchester City are set to visit Asia as part of their preparations for next season – the first trip to the Far East since the pandemic.

Sportsmail understands the Premier League champions have pencilled in both Japan and Thailand for their summer tour in mid-July.

City were in Japan the last time they went to Asia in 2019, facing sister club Yokohama F. Marinos in a fixture that is likely to be replicated.

Pep Guardiola’s squad were in China four years ago before moving on to Hong Kong and Japan, impressed with the facilities on offer in the latter.

City are yet to finalise plans, although they are expected to spend longer in Japan, with the Thailand leg of the jaunt an additional stop.

Tours to that part of the world have been money-spinners for English clubs who are looking to capitalise on their growing appeal in the region.

Ahead of this season, Guardiola's side embarked on a tour of America that saw them face the likes of Club America and Bayern Munich.

Since then, City have struggled to match their recent dominance in English football and sit five points off league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table.

The Gunners can extend their lead with a win over Everton in their game in hand on Saturday, but Cityzens fans will be buoyed by the fact that the top two sides in the country are yet to face each other at all in the league, with their first encounter set to take place at the Etihad later this month.

City are next in action against Tottenham, who they beat 4-2 in the reverse fixture two weeks ago, on Sunday.