Manchester City legend Dennis Tueart says Roberto Mancini should offload Mario Balotelli.

Tueart wrote in The Sun: "If I was Mancini I would let him go - it's just the right decision for Manchester City and Balotelli at this moment.

"I still believe he's a top player but we've been talking for too long about what he can do and we still haven't really seen it.

"You worry that the next problem is just around the corner and you wonder whether he's worth all the bother.

"When Mancini talks about Mario and what potential he's got, I know what he's talking about. But if he keeps hold of him in January it will be a risk.

"You can't help but feel him being there is detrimental to the team - everyone saw how well City played without him at Newcastle on Saturday."