Manchester City to build Thai academy

LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Premier League club Manchester City have signed three Thai players and will build an academy in Thailand, it was announced today.

The club, controlled by ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said Kiatprawut Saiwaew, Suree Sukha and Teerasil Dangda would train with City on their return from international duty before being loaned out.

All three had trials with City in August and played in the Asia Cup tournament.

Academy manager Jim Cassell, in Thailand with coach Sven Goran Eriksson, told the club's Web site that he was looking at suitable sites for the academy.

''Dr Thaksin wants to spread Manchester City's global profile and is also keen to give young Thai footballers every opportunity of developing to their full potential,'' Cassell said.

Third-placed City, who are enjoying their best start to a season for many years, also announced global partnerships with three more clubs, Grasshoppers Zurich (Switzerland), Chonburi FC (Thailand) and Perth Glory (Australia).

Earlier this week FC Moscow (Russia), Thanda Royal Zulu FC (South Africa) and Shanghai Shen Hua (China) were confirmed as part of an initiative that will include coaching exchanges and commercial opportunities.

REUTERS AB VC2017