Manchester City are hopeful of coming out on top over the loan move of Joe Hart to West Ham.

The Manchester Evening News says City will pay around £2 million of Hart's £4.5million annual salary during his season at West Ham, with the London club meeting the rest.

But that £2 million is covered by the cost of the loan deal, which means West Ham will pay the Blues exactly £2million for the keeper's services.

City will still be obliged to pay Hart an amount for the player's image rights, but it is not thought to be close to the £2.9million claimed elsewhere.

So, while City will make a small loss on loaning out a top international keeper, they hope to profit in the long run by the loan boosting his sale value next summer.

City sources have confirmed that they will break even on wages.