Vieira's dispute with Real

Patrick Vieira's move to Real Madrid has hit a major financial snag which could wreck the proposed £23 million deal.

Real believe they will still sign Arsenal's 28-year-old captain but Standard Sport understands the Frenchman is less than impressed with their initial salary offer.

The Spanish club are offering a five-year deal worth £80,000 a week - but Vieira is unhappy that it represents a third less than they pay David Beckham, Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane - all on more than £120,000 a week. Vieira wants parity and unless Real agree, the move could be scuppered.

Real's offer is £20,000 a week more than he gets at Arsenal but Vieira is adamant that his value to Bernabeu team is no less than the other "galactico" star names.

There are several sticking points to a transfer saga that has dragged on for a month. Arsenal do not want an offer of less than £23m for Vieira - who is currently injured. Real had initially hoped to sign him in time for today's UEFA transfer deadline, which would have allowed him to play for Real in their Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow. But Vieira is likely to be out for at least 10 days.

Vieira wants to leave but Arsenal - who have identified Porto's Nuno Maniche and Valencia's Ruben Baraja as possible replacements - still hope to persuade him to stay. If he stays two more years at Highbury, he qualifies for a testimonial that will generate as much as £2m. There is also the likelihood of a new contract offer from Arsenal at the end of this season.