Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has described striker Mario Balotelli as "a problem" for Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.

The 21-year-old has been at the centre of much controversy since his £24m move from Inter Milan in 2010.

Within the past seven days alone, he has been involved in a reported dressing-room clash with teammate Yaya Toure and a car crash.

Having led the way for most of the season, the Citizens are now five points behind Manchester United in the Premier League table and Redknapp thinks that Balotelli's influence has, at times, been disruptive.

"Balotelli is not my problem, but he is a problem," said the 65-year-old. "He doesn't seem to want to behave too well, does he? It's a real problem.

"He has bags of talent, but I suppose when you sign him you know what you're getting because Jose Mourinho had him [at Inter Milan] and he bombed him.

"If you've got one or two bad apples they can just ruin everything for you."

Balotelli has been sent off three times in his first two seasons in England.