Manchester City are reportedly in advanced talks with Liverpool over Raheem Sterling after the wantaway winger was omitted from the squad that travels to Thailand on Sunday.
The England international missed two days of training earlier this week after citing illness, but the Reds are believed to be refusing to budge on their £50m asking price.
However, after seeing two bids rejected earlier this summer, City have returned with an offer of around £45m, and the Anfield club have decided to leave the 20-year-old at home ahead of the pre-season tour of Thailand, Malaysia and Australia.
Sterling was initially scheduled to make the trip, but significant progress has now been made between the two clubs, according to The Telegraph, and it is reported that City want a swift conclusion to negotiations ahead of their own tour of Australia.
It is thought that the Reds are seeking an extra £5m in add-ons, with Sterling's former club, Queens Park Rangers, reportedly due around 20% of any fee received.
Sterling, who did report for training on Sunday morning, scored 11 goals in 52 appearances for Brendan Rodgers's side last season.
Paul Gorst
