NEWCASTLE UNITED will compete in the inaugural Schalke 04 Cup this summer as part of their pre-season preparations.

The Magpies will travel to the German town of Gelsenkirchen over the weekend of August 2-3 to play in a four-team tournament that will also involve Schalke, Spanish side Malaga and another team that is still to be confirmed.

Each day of the Schalke 04 Cup will comprise of two regular matches, with a special points system in place.

Three points will be awarded to the winner of a match, while if a game ends in a draw, it will go straight to a penalty shoot-out, for which the winner will receive two points.

Whoever accumulates the most points in two matches will be declared tournament champions.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to play in such an excellent tournament as the Schalke 04 Cup.

"We will be facing top-quality opposition and hopefully it will form part of a successful pre-season for us ahead of the 2014-15 season.

"I am very pleased it has been organised and announced early for the sake of our fans.

"This will give them the opportunity to travel in great numbers - as they always do - to enjoy a fabulous city and the football that will accompany it."