SPORTSWEAR retailer JJB Sports has clinched a deal giving it exclusive rights to a range of Manchester United products.

Under the six-year agreement, JJB will sell a range of specially-designed products across its 430 UK stores.

These will be displayed in Manchester United "concept areas" - dedicated sections of the store devoted to the Premiership club's merchandise.

The deal will also include promotional agreements to market the products to Manchester United fans.

Dave Whelan, chairman of JJB Sports, said he was "delighted" with the deal.

"The partnership will benefit both parties by ensuring that Manchester United supporters are able to access club products throughout the country, while JJB will become the natural choice for the widest selection of MUFC merchandise," he said.

The range will include official Manchester United memorabilia such as footballs, stationery and baseball caps, currently only available at the club superstore at Old Trafford.

The deal was announced as JJB said it had recorded a large increase in pre-tax profits and turnover in the year to January 31. Pre-tax profits rose to £97.5m, against £71.4m the previous year, while turnover was up 11 per cent to £739.4m