The sports retailer JJB Sports has won exclusive rights to sell a range of Manchester United merchandise.

The agreement between the two companies will begin in August and run for six years.

Under the deal, JJB Sports will be called "official sports retailer of Manchester United".

Most of JJB's 430 stores will introduce what it calls 'Manchester United concept areas' within its stores, which will be dedicated to the football club's merchandise.

The agreement will run in conjunction with Manchester United's relationship with Nike.

JJB also announced that profits rose 37% to �97.4m in the year to January.

Chairman David Whelan said he anticipated trading conditions would be more difficult this year.

But the company said it had already had a boost in the first few months of the year thanks to an early Easter and the launch of the new England football team away kit.