Sheffield United have arranged for the Chengdu Blades to play Premier League giants Chelsea in a special game to raise funds for the Chinese earthquake appeal.

The Chinese team - 90% owned by United - is based in the capital of the Sichuan province which was devastated by a massive earthquake killing thousands of people. It has already played a significant role in helping the community where so many of its fans come from.

Now the Chengdu Blades - currently eighth in the Chinese Super League - will play Chelsea in the Macau National Stadium in Macau - the self-styled Las Vegas of China - on July 26. It is hoped that a couple of Kevin Blackwell's Sheffield United squad will put in special appearances.

In addition, a UK tour, when Chengdu will play a number of other charity games for the earthquake appeal, is being planned for the summer.

United Plc Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "The Chengdu Blades are part of the Sheffield United family and we are determined to help as much as we can the communities who are still struggling to come to terms with the impact of the earthquake.

"All our fees will be going to the appeal and we hope that the people of the Macau and the tourists in the province will flock to the game to see Chengdu take on one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are delighted Chelsea, who are on a tour of China during July, have kindly agreed to back our efforts to raise funds for the appeal," added Mr McCabe.

In partnership with staff from sister club Chengdu, Sheffield United's newly appointed Executive Director Michael Farnan, who used to work with Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon, helped arrange the fixture.

The Chengdu Blades became aid relief volunteers to help local people. Club directors Tony Xu and Ma Mingyu, along with 15 members of staff, visited the epicentre where the 7.9 earthquake hit the Sichuan province. United's sister club have donated more than £11,000 and given blood to support people affected.

Much needed tents, clothes, umbrellas, water and food, along with more than 5,000 Chengdu Blades and Sheffield United shirts were provided by the club. Chengdu Blades, the only top flight professional side in the Sichuan province, also sent their youth team to schools in the area to console students.