Charlton have penned a potentially lucrative partnership with Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.The deal was signed before Saturday's 2-2 draw with Watford and will provide a string of commercial and playing opportunities for both sides.

Charlton are already familiar with the Chinese outfit after having bought midfielder Zheng Zhi from them in December 2006.

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told the club's official website: "Starting next month, and for the next three years, we intend to work closely with Shandong Luneng for the benefit of both clubs.

"We have been invited to enter a team in the China Weifang International Tournament, and although Shandong feel they have a good academy, they are open to other ideas and are keen for us to devise a management model to potentially improve how it is structured.

"We will explain how we do things, invite representatives across to look for themselves and also send club officials to China to provide demonstrations. A number of commercial spin-offs, including a first-team tour, will take place, and we will pass on our experience regarding sponsorship and increasing commercial revenues."

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