Everton's plans to grow their international profile have been handed a major boost after a reported $1bn deal.
The Blues' official retail partner, Fanatics, are moving into the lucrative Chinese market and this week confirmed the venture in conjunction with a private equity fund.
Everton officials have welcomed the news which will see Fanatics help the club tap into the China market, where European football is hugely popular.
It has been reported by CNBC that Fantatics' move is “over a US$1 billion piece of business in China”.
Zohar Ravid, Fanatics’ head of international corporate development, said: “China has been a market we followed for a while, and we’ve been meeting with multiple partners in China trying to figure out how we approach it in the best way.
“The interest overall in the country around European football, and American sports, is growing.”
Everton have been making strides in North and South America of late and have plans to create offices in that part of the world.
And now the news of Fanatics, who help distribute club merchandise across the globe as well as running the official stores, will push the Blues further into the Chinese market.
Everton have also been planning for Fanatics to help create a "world class" club store at the Blues' proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
