Manchester City Opens Office In London

MANCHESTER City FC has decided to operate a commercial office in London to try and grow its profile - and revenues - in Europe.

The club has had an empty office on Old Park Lane in London for several years, but has now decided to place staff in the capital who will be tasked with increasing the number of commericial partners at the club.

Manchester United also has a London office.

On the pitch, the Blues are still in pole position in the race for its first Premiership title. If the club does manage to secure the top prize, the next step will be an improved performance in the UEFA Champions League - which is bound to attract bigger commercial deals and sponsorship opportunities.

The club banked revenues of £153m in its most recent financial year, although it also declared a record loss of nearly £195m.

Commerically however, the club has secured several high-profile deals recently, including the renaming of its stadium by Etihad and a tie-up with video games company EA Sports.

The club is also understood to be close to naming a new chief executive following the resignation of Garry Cook last year.