Stan James makes City title offer

Leading bookmaker Stan James will refund all losing stakes (as a free bet up to £250) placed between now and the start of the season on the outright market if Manchester City (9/2 Outright) win the forthcoming Premier League title.

The firm are also offering punters 25/1 that they can name Roberto Mancini's starting XI in the season curtain-raiser against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on August 14.

Head of PR Charlie McCann: "We at Stan James believe you can't buy the title and that this is at least one season too soon for the Eastlands Club.

"More big names, and egos, are sure to arrive in Manchester between now and the end of the transfer window, but it will surely take time for them to gel and we are of the opinion that this won't be City's season.

"We will refund all losing bets on the Premier League title if Roberto Mancini can weld his great players into a great team.

"We refunded losing stakes when Spain won the World Cup earlier in the month but are confident that we won't be paying out on City.

"Such is the depth of the City squad that we are also offering punters 25/1 that they can name Mancini's starting XI v Spurs in the first game of the new Premier League season."