Liverpool FC forward Raheem Sterling has been the subject of much speculation in this transfer window, with his future nearly certainly lying away from Anfield.
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Sterling is understood to have telephoned Rodgers on Monday to tell him he did not want to go on the pre-season tour.
“You don’t want that kind of attitude anywhere near a dressing room”.
There’s the strong possibility that if City don’t act soon, then Sterling could be forced to fly out this coming Sunday, only to return when the outgoing Premier League champions eventually make their inevitable move.
Sterling has already turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract, with the 20-year-old’s agent, Aidy Ward, claiming all trust between his client and Rodgers has evaporated over the long-running transfer saga.
The Reds remain adamant about their asking price of £50m and this could be seen as an attempt to lower their valuation as City have had two bids rejected for the player.
Liverpool’s medical staff have followed up Sterling’s illness but the club have denied that the relationship between player and manager had broken down.
While Sterling was missing from training on Thursday, striker Mario Balotelli rejoined the squad after being compassionate leave following the death of his adoptive father.
Finally, Gary McAllister has returned to the club after being confirmed as the side’s first-team coach, BBC Sport report.
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More alarmingly for both Liverpool and Sterling’s reputation is that the club’s pre-season tour is also imminent, and it’s been widely reported that Sterling has refused to travel with Liverpool because of his breakdown with the club over the last few months.
