sterling goes sick again as situation worsens

It's understood the 20-year-old reported in sick again yesterday, having initially failed to attend on Wednesday.

But former Liverpool defender Jim Beglin believes Sterling is doing the team a favour by missing training.

It is understood Sterling has already spoken to manager Brendan Rodgers this week to tell him he did not want to travel on the tour to Asia and Australia.

"Sterling is doing #LFC a favour by staying away," Beglin wrote on Twitter.

"You don't want that kind of attitude anywhere near a dressing room."

The squad are due to fly out to Thailand on Sunday ahead of their first friendly against a Thai All Stars side in Bangkok next week.

Sterling has been the subject to two failed bids from Manchester City, the last an offer of £40million, and they continue to monitor the situation.

Liverpool remain adamant the England international will not be allowed to leave for anything below their £50million valuation - a price City appear unwilling to meet.

Protocol dictates Sterling has to be assessed by the club's medical staff to determine the extent of his illness and if he is deemed to be fit enough to train there is the possibility of him being fined.

Despite another missed training session Liverpool remain determined to have him on the plane with the rest of the squad on Sunday.

While Sterling was missing from training on Thursday, striker Mario Balotelli rejoined the squad after being compassionate leave following the death of his adoptive father.

Off the field, former Reds midfielder Gary McAllister has held talks with Rodgers regarding the vacant first-team coaching position. On Monday Sean O'Driscoll was confirmed as the new assistant manager, following last month's sacking of Colin Pascoe.

Ahead of the club's tour Jordan Henderson is also expected to be confirmed as the club's new captain, having deputised on many occasions last season for the now-departed Steven Gerrard.