Butt, who won 39 caps for England, celebrates with his South China team-mates

Former Manchester United and Newcastle star Nicky Butt has signed a three-month contract with Hong Kong side South China FC.

The out-of-contract former England midfielder scored in a guest appearance for the club last week and has been persuaded to extend his stay.

The 35-year-old will fly out in January and remain in Hong Kong until May.

He said: "I had an enjoyable time out there, the experience was good, so I have decided to go for it."

In his only appearance for the club so far, Butt levelled with a curling free-kick against TSW Pegasus before squandering a spot-kick in a 2-1 win.

Butt, who also played for Birmingham, had retired from club football at the end of last season after helping Newcastle to the Championship title.

He has denied reports he will be paid a weekly wage of £200,000 to resume his playing career, citing the challenge of playing in a foreign league and the chance to experience a new culture as motivation for the move.

He will start taking his coaching badges on his return to England.

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