Sheff. United to play in tournament during Malta pre-season

Sheffield United will figure in a triangular tournament on July 16 during their pre-season training camp in Malta. The event will involve 45-minute games between United and two Maltese teams from the Premier League.

As three of the top Maltese teams will be involved in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA competitions for clubs, the Blades' opposition for the tournament will be decided after the respective UEFA draws are announced on June 21.

The Blades have reverted to hosting the tournament at the ground of Hibernians FC in Corradino.

All eyes will no doubt be firmly fixed on United's latest signing Daniel Bogdanovic, who officially joins the club on July 1.

With the Blades beating a host of clubs in capturing the signature of the Maltese international striker, the pre-season trip to Malta will present Bogdanovic with an early taste of action wearing the famous red and white shirt of United.

Mike Farnan, Group Executive Director at Sheffield United and a leading figurehead behind the plans for the tour, said: "Our close relationship with the Malta Tourism Authority will help make this a memorable occasion for both Blades fans and the people of Malta.

"Seeing the likes of Bogdanovic playing for Sheffield United against leading Maltese Premier League teams will prove to be one of the many highlights of the tour."