Mario Balotelli could be on the move again as relationship with Patrick Vieira is broken

MARIO BALOTELLI could be making his way out of Ligue One as reports suggest Nice manager Patrick Vieira is looking to offload the Italian.

Balotelli has seriously struggled for form this season with the Italian not managing a single goal in his ten appearances in all competitions.

Balotelli has fallen out of favour with his manager

Vieira, who was a teammate of Balotelli at Inter Milan and Manchester City, has grown frustrated with the 28-year-olds form and attitude.

Balotelli’s contract expires at the end of the season and Viera, who took charge of Nice this season, is apparently not interested in offering the forward a new deal.

The season did not start well for Balotelli as he was fined by Nice bosses for turning up to pre-season training overweight and unfit.

Vieira left Balotelli out of Nice’s recent League Cup defeat to St Etienne last week.

The Italian has not scored a single goal this season

And the Nice manager confirmed Balotelli will not feature in their league game against Strasbourg today.

He said: “Mario Balotelli will not be in the squad against Strasbourg on Saturday either. It’s the decision of the coach.”

Earlier in the month Balotelli threw his gloves and shouted at Vieira after he was brought off against Guingamp.

Last season Balotelli netted 26 goals in 38 games which saw his form earn him a place back in the Italian national side.

Balotelli’s contract ex prises at the end of the season

Vieira played with Balotelli at Inter and Man City

But under new manager Viera, who joined from MLS side New York City, the Italian has not been able to regain scoring form.

Viera was so disappointed in Balotelli’s performance against Nimes last month he branded his performance, ‘Less van average’.

Balotelli has been linked with a move to MLS with Philadelphia Union reportedly interested while Serie A clubs AC Milan and Fioriotena have emerged as potential buyers for the Italian.