Sterling fails to report for Liverpool training after 'calling in sick'

The England winger has rejected the offer of a new contract at Anfield and is attracting interest from Manchester City, with the player even threatening to go on strike

Raheem Sterling was absent from Liverpool's training session on Wednesday after calling in sick, Goal understands.

The winger earlier informed the club that he does not want to join them on their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia amid interest from Manchester City, and it has now come to light that Sterling has failed to join up with the squad for their midweek session.

City are the clear frontrunners to sign Sterling should he force a move away from Anfield, with the club prepared to make a third bid for the England international, worth £45 million plus add-ons, after their two initial approaches were rejected.

Sterling met with manager Brendan Rodgers at Melwood and reaffirmed his desire to leave, while he also insisted that he is not prepared to join his team-mates in their overseas pre-season preparations.

Liverpool are set to fly out for their tour on Sunday, ahead of a game against the Thai All-Stars in Bangkok next Tuesday.

Sterling has already turned down an improved contract offer, with wages of £100,000-a-week, at Anfield and appears determined to leave Liverpool following a long-running saga.

Aidy Ward, the player's agent, confirmed in May that his client would not be signing a new contract, instead insisting that "every Premier League club will make a bid for him".

Liverpool declined to comment.