Liverpool transfer news: Reds continue to stand firm as 'ill' Raheem Sterling stays away from pre-season training

It has been suggested that the player's deteriorating relationship with manager Brendan Rodgers has contributed to his desire to leave Anfield

Brendan Rodgers talks to his players during a training session earlier this week (Getty Images)

Liverpool’s stance towards Raheem Sterling remains firm after the want-away winger did not turn up at Melwood for pre-season training, citing illness.

Brendan Rodgers still expects the 20-year-old to board the plane bound for a tour of South-east Asia and Australia on Sunday, even though the player has already told him that he does not wish to be considered.

Those making the key financial decisions above Rodgers, meanwhile, refuse to budge on their £50m valuation for the England international.

Manchester City, who at this stage are the only club to make an offer for Sterling, are likely to return imminently with another bid, although their own trip to Australia, which begins on Thursday, could slow negotiations.

Raheem Sterling has called in sick the last couple of days (GETTY IMAGES)

It might help Sterling to achieve his exit if he travelled. Liverpool face Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United in the same week City are in the country for a friendly with Melbourne City before they enter an invitational tournament that includes Roma and Real Madrid.

Sterling’s immediate involvement will be determined by a home visit from club doctors. If the illness proves to be genuine, then there might have to be a reassessment on the best way to deal with the situation.

It has been suggested that Sterling’s deteriorating relationship with Rodgers has contributed towards his desire to leave Anfield.

New Anfield signing Danny Ings poses with his Liverpool shirt ahead of the club’s tour of South-east Asia and Australia (Getty) (Getty Images)

One player happy to arrive is Danny Ings, who trained for the first time with his new team-mates a week ahead of schedule, having elected to take 14 days off for his summer break following England Under-21s’ elimination from the European Championship a fortnight ago.

In an interview with Liverpool’s official website, Ings revealed that the presence of Rodgers was significant to his recruitment. “He’s fantastic at developing young players,” Ings said. “For a player like me, I think it will be perfect to work with him.”

Gary McAllister may be set to join Rodgers’ coaching staff. Liverpool have been keen to appoint a former player as first-team coach and the Scot has held discussions about taking the position.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are on the verge of completing the club-record signing of Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint-Germain. A fee in the region of £10m, rising to around £13m with add-ons, has been agreed for the 29-year-old former Newcastle midfielder.