Manchester City 'willing to offload Mario Balotelli in January'

Manchester City are reportedly ready to call time on striker Mario Balotelli's career at the North West club, despite the forward's desire to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

The Italy international's agent Mino Raiola recently revealed that the 22-year-old has no intention of leaving the Premier League champions but reports have claimed that the club itself is thinking otherwise.

It is understood that manager Roberto Mancini would be open to selling the controversial striker in the January transfer window if he does not improve in the next two months, according to the Daily Mail.

Balotelli has netted two goals in 13 appearances for the North West side and was left out of the squad that defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Sunday.