Looks like Liverpool are now using the Liverpool echo to show they want to play hardball...got to give Sterling credit for trying to push Liverpool into getting a deal done...don't know if he's officially put in a transfer request but this is the next best thing!;)
Raheem Sterling wants to miss Liverpool FC pre-season tour - but Reds expect him to remain part of squad
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spor.../raheem-sterling-wants-miss-liverpool-9609422
Liverpool's stance remains unchanged and until Man City match valuation then he will be expected to honour his commitments
Liverpool FCstill expect
Raheem Sterlingto be part of their squad for the pre-season tour - despite the wantaway winger's desire to miss the trip to the Far East and Australia.
The England international has reiterated to Brendan Rodgers his wish to leave Anfield as he attempts to force through a move to Manchester City.
Sterling has also asked the manager not to be included in the touring party who fly to Thailand on Sunday.
However, Liverpool's stance remains unchanged and until Man City match their £50million valuation then the 20-year-old will be expected to honour his commitments.
Unless a deal is in place, the Reds will demand that Sterling travels and if he fails to show up then he will be subject to disciplinary action.
Liverpool have been braced for a third bid from City since they rejected an improved offer of £35million rising to £40million last month.
However, three weeks on, there has been no further talks between the clubs with City reluctant to go as high as £50million.
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 travel on the tour. The first game is in Bangkok next Tuesday.
Sterling has been warned by Liverpool that in the absence of an acceptable offer then he will be held to the final two years of his existing £35,000 per week contract.
Liverpool found themselves in a similar situation on tour Down Under two years ago when Luis Suarez was trying to engineer a move to Arsenal.
The Reds refused to bow to his demands and the Uruguayan striker was later banished to train on his own before accepting he was going nowhere and knuckling down.
City, who are expected to spend big this summer after UEFA eased the Financial Fair Play restrictions, fly to Australia on Thursday for an 11-day training camp on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
