LONDON, July 22: British bookmakers shortened the odds on Manchester United regaining their English Premier League title following their purchase of defender Rio Ferdinand Monday.

Bookmakers William Hill said they had received a string of bets on the Old Trafford club after Monday’s completion of the British record 30 million pounds ($47.27 million) deal with Leeds.

United remain favourites at 5-4 to win the 2002-03 title, cut from 11-8. Champions Arsenal are second favourites at 13-8, with Liverpool third on 7-2, up from 10-3.

Latest betting:

5-4 Manchester United

13-8 Arsenal

7-2 Liverpool

16-1 Chelsea, Leeds United

28-1 Newcastle United 100-1 Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Middlesbrough ($1=.6346 Pound)—Reuters