Liverpool FC partnered Chinese EZ International to launch new online stores in Asia

The growing appeal in the Far East of English Premiership club Liverpool FC has prompted the club to announce the launching of new online club stores in five Asian territories.

The new shops will be aimed at fans in the China territory of Hong Kong as well as Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Liverpool is eager to forge closer links with its growing fan base in Asia to capitalize on its reputation as a world-class football club.

The new sites will be operated for the Anfield-based club by EZ International which has run the Liverpool FC online store in China since 2012.

EZ International is a pioneer in the e-commerce football business which has seen Liverpool FC's e-commerce sales in the China territory increase by over 200 percent.

The online stores will be written in the local language, and products will be shipped locally, cutting postage costs. The stores will also feature tailored payment methods.

The stores will sell replica kits and training kits, as well as the full range of Liverpool FC-branded fashion, accessories and souvenirs.

Liverpool FC' director of merchandising Mike Cox, said: "The club has worked with EZ International for a number of years, and their understanding of our requirements in the Asia-Pacific region means that the new five online stores will I am sure be as successful as our China store.

"Fans will be able to benefit from shopping in their local language, saving money on duty and postage costs, as well as tailored payment methods, which is a result of EZ International's skillsets."

Liverpool is the only team not to have lost a Premier League match in 2015 and is now well placed to push for a top-four finish in the final 12 matches of the season Finishing in the top four open the door to a place in the coveted European Champion's League, one of the world's biggest football competitions.

The expansion into Asia comes just days after Liverpool FC announced its second pre-season tour of Australia in three years. The Reds will play fixtures in Brisbane and Adelaide this July.

Original title by Xinhua: Liverpool FC spreads its wings across new Asian regions