Sterling to miss Liverpool tour

Raheem Sterling: Liverpool forward to miss pre-season tour

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling has been withdrawn from the club’s pre-season tour, with the Reds in talks over a transfer with Manchester City.

Sterling has asked to leave Anfield and was the subject of two bids from City in June, which were rejected.

The 20-year-old is under contract until 2017, but has turned down a new £100,000-a-week deal at Liverpool.

He had asked to be left out of the tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia but was named on a 30-man list on Saturday.

Several former Liverpool players have criticised Sterling since he told manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre he wanted to leave the club this summer.

Former captain Steven Gerrard said he is “disappointed” in the England international.

“You don’t have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour,” LA Galaxy midfielder Gerrard added. “The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too.”

However, it is understood the Reds decided to leave him out of the tour after the player reported for duty.

A recent study ranked Sterling as the most valuable young player in Europe, ahead of Paris St-Germain defender Marquinhos and Manchester United’s recently acquired Dutch striker Memphis Depay.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

BBC Sport