Leicester City have been invited to play in the Premier League Asia Trophy – but are delaying their pre-season plans as they battle relegation to the Championship.
Leicester have received an offer to take part in the prestigious Far East tournament in July, which is likely to include Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion, and Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.
But the defending Premier League champions and tournament organizers are unable to finalize Leicester’s involvement as it is still unclear what division they will be playing in next season.
Despite being the only English club to reach the last eight of the Champions League this season after their victory over Sevilla on Tuesday, Leicester remain in danger of dropping out of the top-flight.
Craig Shakespeare has guided the Foxes to two successive league victories but they will face West Ham this weekend. Leicester are currently 15th on the table, only three points above the relegation zone, which means their summer plans are on hold.
The Asia Trophy will be held in Hong Kong and China in July and talks have been ongoing with the Leicester hierarchy for months. Liverpool have agreed to play in the tournament, which is held every two years.
West Bromwich Albion have already reached 40 points, which means they are safe for this season, and also look likely to participate.