Manchester City want John Terry to give them public encouragement before stepping up talks with Chelsea.

The Sun says the Eastlands club are refusing to make a third offer until the player speaks out publicly.

But the Blues are now ready to make the 28-year-old the best-paid player at Stamford Bridge in a bid to fend off City's assault for the England skipper.

Chelsea are ready to meet Terry halfway by handing him more money - but they will not go close to the £300,000 per week on offer from City.

Instead they are willing to give him a pay rise that would see his earnings rise by around £25,000 per week to £155,000 a week or £8m a year.

In comparison, Frank Lampard is on £151,000 a week with Michael Ballack earning £139,000 and Didier Drogba £120,000.