Patrick Vieira took a huge pay-cut to join Manchester City, it has been revealed.

The Sunday Mirror says Vieira is on a performance and bonus-­loaded deal that begins with a ­basic wage of £25,000 a week.

The potential is there for the 33-year-old to treble his money to £75,000 a week, but the former Arsenal captain will only cash in if he is playing in Mancini's team and they consolidate a top-four place.

A City insider said: "Claims he is on a deal worth £150,000 a week are laughable. Patrick did not come here for the money.

"He signed for City because he wanted to prove he can still be a top player in England. Even if he met every one of the bonus criteria he would still be on less than half of what he was earning at Inter."