Manchester City management are trying to convince Chelsea skipper John Terry that a season without Champions League football will be GOOD FOR HIM.

The Mail on Sunday says City boss Mark Hughes and his club have been given plenty of encouragement in their pursuit of Terry - but there remains a suspicion the Chelsea captain will stay if he is given a pay rise to take him level with Frank Lampard on £150,000 per week.

City still hope Terry might be won over by their £200,000-a-week offer - and by the spin that not playing European football next season would be beneficial for a player who has had injury problems and wants to be fit to lead his country at next summer's World Cup in South Africa.