Raheem Sterling has been told that he must forget about a possible transfer and prepare to join the Liverpool squad ahead of their pre-season tour, according to David Maddock of The Mirror.
The 20-year-old looks set to leave Anfield this summer after insisting he won’t sign a new contract at the club.
Fellow Premier League side Manchester City is his likely destination, despite Liverpool rejecting their initial bids.
Sterling was an unused substitute in the reds’ final game against Stoke City and was on the receiving end of boos from England fans whilst away on international duty.
With the England star still under contract at the club, manager Brendan Rodgers clearly expects the player to report back for pre-season training a week before the club leave Thailand and to be in the squad for the beginning of Liverpool’s pre-season tour on July 14.
Manchester City themselves report back in the first week of July before flying out to Australia where they’ll face Real Madrid.
City are expected to offer a sum in the region of £50 million to bring Rodgers to the negotiation table.
With Sterling likely to travel with the Liverpool squad, new signing Roberto Firmino will not make the tour due to Brazil’s involvement in the Copa America.
It is also unlikely that fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho will play a part, whilst Emre Can will be given three weeks off after his participation in the Under-21 European Championship.
