Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra is delaying his move to Real Madrid.

The Daily Star says Diarra, 23, wants a longer deal than Madrid are prepared to offer - and more money.

And that has left the door ajar for Manchester City to move in.

Madrid want to give Diarra a four-year contract and £75,000 per week.

But Diarra wants a five-year deal on £115,000 per week to keep him just below the best-paid players at the Bernabeu.

A Madrid source said last night: "It is impossible to pay Diarra what he wants. The agent is pressing really hard and is using the offer from Manchester City to try and force our hand."