Golden target Premier stars for friendly

ENGLISH Premier League superstars Ryan Giggs and Tony Yeboah have been targeted by local First Division side Golden for their exhibition match against the England national team on May 26 at the Hong Kong Stadium.

Golden president Simon Wan Chi-lok, who yesterday received a contract from Strata Sports (an English Football Association-recognised agency) to confirm the match at the Hong Kong Stadium, said Manchester United's Welsh wizard Giggs and Leeds United's Ghanaian star Yeboah were top of his shopping list.

Wan said the England-based sports marketing company insisted that Golden must play under the name 'Golden Selection Team', and the local side must invite renowned guest players of international level.

'I would say Giggs and Yeboah will be our main targets,' said Wan.

'I was surprised that England are willing to play against us before the European Championships.

'To strengthen our squad and to make the match even more attractive, we will invite three international stars, most probably the expatriates who play in the English Premier League.' It is an unusual decision for England because they seldom take on club sides, especially as the match will be only 12 days before the European Championships which they will be hosting.

Wan added that the budget for the match would be more than $6 million - $5 million of which would be the appearance fee of the English side.