CHARLTON are being tempted with a £500,000 pay-day if they agree to compete in July’s Asia Cup in Shanghai.

Everton, Newcastle and the Addicks have been invited to compete in the four-team tournament from July 20-24. An unconfirmed Chinese team will make up the quartet.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have declined invitations.

Charlton are no strangers to China having conducted part of their pre-season preparation there in July. And therein lies a problem as manager Alan Curbishley is adamant that the excess travelling contributed to the club’s poor start to the present campaign.

Chief executive Peter Varney said: "We are considering an invitation to compete in the Asia Cup and are awaiting further details.

"We hope to hear more by the end of the week when a decision will be made. Millions will watch the Asia Cup match on Chinese television which will help raise the club’s profile in the lucrative Far East commercial market.

Mr Varney confirmed that last summer’s Chinese breakaway had proved more than worthwhile in terms of a business opportunities.

"We hope to make an announcement shortly regarding a spin off from that trip," he said.