City Football Group, the holding company that owns Manchester City and New York City FC, is planning to set up a franchise in the booming Chinese Super League as the next step in their global expansion, according to ESPN FC.

The group's aim is to have a network involving one team with the title 'City' on each continent, creating unique commercial opportunities while greatly strengthening their flagship Premier League club's identity. China is naturally viewed as the next destination.

The network already own Melbourne City FC in the Australian A-League and have a stake in Yokohama J Marinos in Japan, as well as owning the Premier League and MLS outfits.

"Shanghai City" have been mooted as a potential franchise. Although no destination has yet been decided, the first steps in the plan have already been taken.

City have been giving Chinese Super League officials advice on running clubs, and ensuring the model is sustainable beyond the recent explosion in spending.

Source: ESPN FC

Proofread by John Devlin.