Nissan will sponsor English Premier League champions Manchester City in a bid to boost its brand image.

Nissan are seeking to benefit from the Premier League's popularity not just in Europe, but also in China and other Asian markets.

Nissan's five-year deal with City Football Group, owner of the Manchester City team, includes an in-kind exchange to introduce the carmaker's Leaf electric vehicle to the team, the company said in a statement although the automaker didn't give any financial terms of the agreement.

Nissan's CEO Carlos Ghosn said the agreement will help "strengthen the brand globally," according to the statement.

In April, Nissan signed a four-year deal as the sponsor of European Champions League soccer tournament in a four-year deal starting next month.

Nissan's deal with City Football Group follows a May agreement in which the group became a minority shareholder in the Yokohama F Marinos soccer team, which plays in Japan's J-League.

City Football Group CEO Ferran Soriano said: "Nissan will be providing its electric vehicles to a new football training centre in Manchester to open later this year.”

Nissan will also have its brand displayed prominently at the club's Etihad Stadium in Manchester.