Manchester City become first Premier League side to announce new sleeve sponsor

Manchester City have stolen a march on their rivals by becoming the first Premier League club to sign a "sleeve sponsorship" deal after a relaxing of rules surrounding logos.

From next season the right sleeve of City's matchday shirt -  will carry the name of Nexen Tire, a South Korean firm that is already one of the club's commercial partners.

The opportunity is available to all Premier League clubs as there is no longer a league title sponsor.

City, owned by Sheikh Mansour who is a member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, never disclose the value of sponsorship deals although the tie-up with main shirt and stadium sponsor Etihad, agreed in 2011, is thought to be worth £400 million over 10 years.

City chief executive Ferran Soriano said the deal was part of the club's forward-thinking approach.

"At Manchester City, we are always striving to take an original approach to our commercial partnerships, creating great relationships and great content for our fans," he said in a statement.'

How many clubs will follow suit is unclear as main shirt sponsorship contrcats may prevent some clubs seeking a sleeve sponsor.

JB