TOTTENHAM are being lined up to face Newcastle in a pre-Olympics clash in Beijing this summer, according to reports from the North East, writes James Randall.

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle has reported that Toon owner Mike Ashley (pictured) is trying to arrange the match with Spurs for August.

The idea follow plans by the Premier League to play a 39th match on foreign turf, which was widely condemned by the footballing world including FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

If the game were to go ahead, Spurs and Newcastle would likely draw a massive global audience and thus develop their individual brands.

Ashley - who according to the Chronicle has already got members of the Spurs back room staff on board - is keen to expand Sports Direct Group, the company he owns, into the Chinese market.

He has made various trips to the Olympic hosts throughout the year, and sees the match as the perfect opportunity to start the expansion into the country.

It would not be the first time Spurs have ventured to Asia, the north Londoners having won the 2005 Peace cup in Thailand.