Arsenal offer Mao trial - report

BEIJING, Nov 3 (Reuters) English Premier League club Arsenal have offered Shanghai Shenhua striker Mao Jianqing a trial later this month, according to local media.

Mao has been in impressive form for the Chinese Super League (CSL) runners-up this year and his goal against Palestine last month helped send China through to next year's Asian Cup finals.

The Xinmin Evening News quoted Shenhua as offering their support even if they had not informed the player himself.

''If there is an opportunity, I'd love to give it a go,'' the tall 20-year-old told the paper.

Mao, who also had a trial at Dutch club Feyenoord in 2003, has been included in China's squad for next month's Asian Games in Doha.

REUTERS PM VC0900