Mario Balotelli & Roberto Mancini in 'training ground bust-up'

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli appears to have been involved in a training ground bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini.

A picture agency has released photographs it says were taken this morning of the pair having to be separated by staff and team-mates at Carrington training ground.

City have declined to comment.

Mancini is expected to answer questions about the incident at his news conference on Friday morning.

"It's believed Mancini reacted to a challenge from Balotelli on one of his team-mates," said BBC radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis.