Liverpool star Raheem Sterling may take one further step to force a move out of Anfield by refusing to join the team on their pre-season tour.
The Reds are scheduled to travel to the Far East and Australia, but according to reports, the winger has asked to be omitted from the travelling squad in order to push through a move to Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers saw the majority of his squad return to pre-season on Monday, but once again he was informed by Sterling that he intends to quit the club in order to join City.
The 20-year-old then went on and told Rodgers that he doesn’t want to join the squad during their pre-season tour, which is set to depart from England on Sunday.
Sterling is wanted by Premier League rivals City, and The Citizens have already had two formal bids turned down by Liverpool as they have both fallen short of their £50million valuation.
However, a third and final offer is reportedly in the pipeline, with City prepared to pay £45m up front and then a further £5m on add-ons, which would match Liverpool’s demands.
Despite asking the club to be excluded from the tour, Liverpool intend to take the winger along with them, unless a deal with City is agreed to by the weekend, which is not looking likely.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt