Mancini ready to dump Balotelli

- Daily Mirror

Manchester City are ready to ditch Mario Balotelli.

The controversial Italian striker was at his ­petulant worst again on Saturday when he was ­substituted in the 55th minute of City’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Balotelli stormed down the tunnel after being replaced by Sergio Aguero, rather than watch his team-mates from the bench.

And supporters at the Etihad were stunned to see him leave the ground less than 15 minutes after the final whistle.

Sunday Mirror Sport understands there is growing pressure on ­Roberto Mancini to admit defeat in his attempt to ­unlock Balotelli’s potential.

The club’s Abu Dhabi-based owners are fearful that Balotelli, who arrived in a £24million deal from Inter Milan two seasons ago, is damaging the City brand with his indiscipline both on and off the pitch.

And there is growing ­dismay in the dressing room that the 22-year-old continues to be ­over-indulged by Mancini.

A City insider confirmed: “Mancini has staked his reputation on Balotelli, but every time he thinks he has turned the corner he does something else to land ­himself in trouble.

“Mario’s a source of friction both in the boardroom and the dressing room.”