Raheem Sterling has refused to join the Liverpool squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia in an attempt to push through a transfer to Manchester City, according to reports.

Sterling has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer after contract negotiations broke down last season, but so far Liverpool have held firm in their bid to keep the youngster.

City are understood to be preparing a third offer worth up to £50m for Sterling, having seen their previous two turned down by the Reds.

The 20-year-old has now attempted to take things into his own hands by telling manager Brendan Rodgers that he does not want to be a part of the club's trip to Malaysia and Australia in pre-season, according to The Telegraph.

Sterling is thought to have spoken to Rodgers following his return to training this week, when he reportedly asked not to travel to Bangkok on Sunday.

Liverpool are understood to be prepared to let the England international's contract run down over the next two years if their £50m asking price is not met.

The Reds begin the new Premier League season with a trip to face Stoke City on August 9.