China

Shanghai defender heads for US

(Shanghai Star)
Updated: 2007-03-01 09:27

Shanghai Shenhua's defender Yao Lijun is expected to become the first Chinese teammate of David Beckham if he is able to survive his trial session with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Yao was invited by the US Major League Soccer club during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, which ended on Saturday, and the 26-year-old defender is now waiting for a visa.

"I will kick off the tour right after my visa is ready," Yao told Eastday.com yesterday. "I am well prepared."

Yao said he felt so lucky because the bosses in Shenhua have fully supported his US tour.

Trial training with the Los Angeles Galaxy was to end today but the club broke its rules and extended the trial period just for Yao.

Yao was transferred to the former Shanghai United from the former Shenhua SVA in early January, but he was able to play for Shenhua again after the two clubs merged this month.