South Africa:
fresh doubts
While Newcastle's pre-season plans remain unconfirmed, rumours have circulated of a tournament in Cape Town involving two Premier League sides, with media claims in that country of interest from both United and Everton.
The Toffees have now however announced that their pre-season preparations will involve a trio of fixtures against European opponents in the USA.
And in a separate development, reports in South Africa claim that Fulham have withdrawn from a tournament in the South African city of Bloemfontein due to concerns over the state of the pitch and associated facilities.
One Premier League club who will be playing in South Africa this summer are Manchester City, who have now announced games on July 14th and 18th. However both of their opponents will be South African club sides.