TOM CRUISE has backed off from his original plan to split his assets 50-50 with estranged wife NICOLE KIDMAN - and is now demanding 75 percent of the spoils of their marriage.

The NEW YORK POST claims Kidman's lawyer has revealed Cruise is now taking a hard line, insisting on three-quarters of their estimated joint fortune of $350 million (£275 million).

The 39-year-old actor can account for $225 million (£173 million) of that bankroll, while Kidman is worth $110 million (£84 million).

Cruise is insisting the couple broke up in December (00), a month before California's 10-year-marriage threshold for 50-50 assets division kicks in.

Kidman says they didn't break up until February (01), which would garner her half of the money.

A 4 October (01) hearing date has been set to sort out the financial details. (MB/WNWCE/NFA)

Source: WENN