Vieira in talks with Manchester City

Vieira wants to improve his chances of a place in the Freance squad for the World Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Patrick Vieira is in talks over a proposed move to big-spending Manchester City, it was reported today.

The Inter Milan midfielder looks set to become the first signing of the Roberto Mancini era after advanced discussions were held last night.

Yesterday, Mancini refused to talk about transfers until after his side's Carling Cup clash with Manchester United, but that hasn't stopped progress being made on the deal.

The former Arsenal captain has been identified as a player who can sure up the defensively questionable team.

It's understood that the 33-year-old will initially join on loan with the promise of a permanent contract should the move work out.

It's also reported that Arsenal could attempt to hijack the deal after refusing to rule out a move for their former hero.