adminLIVERPOOL. – Raheem Sterling has told Liverpool that he does not wish to go on the club’s pre-season tour. Sterling also failed to report for training at Liverpool yesterday after claiming he is ill.
His no show at Melwood comes after he told manager Brendan Rodgers he wants to be omitted from their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia as he looks to force through a move to Manchester City.
Liverpool offered no comment on the development.
It would be standard practice in this situation for the club to send a doctor to the player’s house to assess the seriousness of the illness.
England winger Sterling informed Rodgers after returning to training that he remains set on quitting Anfield and that he wants his prospective move to be resolved before Liverpool depart on Sunday.
Sterling’s stance marks a further downturn in relations with the club and will be seen as a signal for City to make a third bid for the starlet.
The England international is determined to force a move away from Anfield and it is understood that he wants to stay behind in England to sort out his future rather than travel to the Far East and Australia.
Manchester City have yet to make their third and potentially decisive bid for the 20-year-old with Liverpool holding out for £50 million.
Liverpool rejected an improved offer of £35 million rising to £40 million last month.
Unless City make a decisive move in the coming days then Sterling, who reported back to Melwood for the start of pre-season on Monday, will be expected to fly with Brendan Rodgers’ squad to Thailand on Sunday.
Their first tour game is in Bangkok next Tuesday.
However, Sterling is prepared to force a stand-off with Liverpool to make it clear that he wants to move to the Etihad.
Such a stance would force Liverpool’s hierarchy into disciplinary measures but they would be reluctant to have such a cloud hanging over them as they go on such a high profile tour. – Mailonline.
Online Reporter