Macclesfield have announced a pre-season friendly against Chinese Super League outfit Chengdu Blades, who are 90% owned by Sheffield United.The Chinese side currently reside in mid-table of their domestic league and will visit the Silkmen as part of a short tour of the UK.

They will play Macclesfield, Barnsley, Sheffield United and Sheffield FC, with the visit to Moss Rose on Thursday, July 31, kick-off 7.45pm.

A statement on Macclesfield's official website said: "We are delighted to offer the hand of friendship to the Blades, and we look forward to seeing how we fare against truly international opposition.

"We hope many fans from the large Chinese communities in Manchester, Liverpool and the north-west of England will take the opportunity to come down and see one of their teams play live at the Moss Rose."

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