Raheem Sterling phones in sick AGAIN as forward misses Liverpool training for second day in a row

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Raheem Sterling called in sick again on Thursday and missed training
Sterling also phoned Liverpool on Wednesday morning to say he is ill
He explained he would be unable to report for pre-season training
On Monday, Sterling told Brendan Rodgers he would not be coming on tour
Liverpool travel to the Far East and Australia this coming Sunday
CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news

Published: 05:20 EST, 9 July 2015 | Updated: 06:51 EST, 9 July 2015

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Raheem Sterling will miss Liverpool training for the second day in a row after the wantaway forward opted to remain at home on Thursday, again claiming to be ill.

The Manchester City target had failed to report for training on Wednesday too as the saga of his bid to leave Anfield took another twist.

Sportsmail understands Sterling would have rung in sick – as per club protocol – to explain the symptoms he was showing.

Raheem Sterling trained with Liverpool on Monday but will now be examined by a doctor after claiming to be ill

Sterling failed to report for Liverpool training on Wednesday or Thursday after phoning in sick

A club doctor visited him later in the day to check him over and advise on any treatment.

The England international had phoned Melwood, Liverpool’s headquarters, on Wednesday morning, claiming that he felt unwell and would not be able to take part in the planned sessions.

It has been a summer of sweeping personnel changes at Anfield and manager Brendan Rodgers, who wants one more addition to his coaching staff, has met club legend Gary McAllister to discuss the prospect of him joining Sean O’Driscoll and Pepijn Linders.

The drama surrounding Sterling, though, rumbles on and, coming 48 hours after he told Rodgers he does not want to go on the pre-season tour to the Far East and Australia, the news that he called in sick will have been greeted with cynicism in many quarters.

It is standard practice for Liverpool to send a doctor to the house of an unwell player and one was expected to visit Sterling on Wednesday afternoon.

Liverpool had no choice but to accept Sterling’s explanation at face value but, given how aggressively he is pursuing a move to Manchester City, if he were found to have breached club discipline, Liverpool could fine him two weeks’ wages, or £70,000. There is no suggestion yet that he is in breach of club rules.

Saido Berahino (top centre) has split with Aidy Ward (top left), the agent behind Sterling's transfer fiasco

The situation has led to West Brom striker Saido Berahino to part company with Aidy Ward, the controversial agent behind Sterling’s transfer fiasco with Liverpool.

The 21-year-old joined Sterling in going with Ward when the agent set up on his own last season after leaving Impact Sports Management.

But Berahino, who was called up to the England squad last November, is said to have become disillusioned with Ward following Sterling’s attempts to leave Anfield.

LIVERPOOL'S PRE-SEASON TOUR

July 14 - Thai All Stars

July 17 - Brisbane Roar

July 20 - Adelaide United

July 24 - Malaysia XI

August 1 - HJK

Relations between Sterling and Liverpool are now irreparable. However, he will not get the move he desires unless Liverpool drop their £50million asking price. City’s last bid of £40m was rejected but they have not been in formal contact for more than a fortnight and it is understood they have no intention of going much higher.

Liverpool are waiting for City’s expected third offer and the reason Sterling does not want to board a plane to Bangkok on Sunday is so that he can finalise his future.

Having turned down an offer in the region of £100,000 per week last October, he has already lost out on an estimated £2.3m in wages. More than anything, though, he has damaged his reputation.

Sportsmail columnist Jamie Carragher said: ‘Reports suggest Raheem Sterling has told Brendan Rodgers he doesn’t want to go away on the pre-season tour.

Brendan Rodgers (right, with Sean O'Driscoll) will have to decide whether to take Sterling on tour

Sterling's form for club and country has attracted the interest of Manchester City

‘All clubs at times have asked a player to push a move through but even so it’s still a story that doesn’t reflect well on Raheem.

‘He’s starting to get a reputation that could be hard to rid himself of in the future. Are Man City fans looking at the situation and thinking this could be us in a few years?

‘I think this situation will only make Liverpool more determined to get the fee they feel Raheem is worth rather than caving in to Raheem’s and Manchester City’s wishes.’

Meanwhile supporters have started to turn on Sterling. His mobile number was posted on Twitter on Tuesday and he was bombarded with abusive calls.

HOW IT ALL TURNED SOUR FOR RAHEEM STERLING AT LIVERPOOL

February 2010

Liverpool beat off competition from Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal to sign 15-year-old Sterling from Queens Park Rangers for an initial fee of around £500,000.

February 2011

Sterling scored five goals in Liverpool's 9-0 win over Southend in an FA Youth Cup.

March 2012

At the age of 17 years and 107 days, Sterling made his senior debut by coming on as a substitute in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat by Wigan. Then manager Kenny Dalglish brough the teenager on for Dirk Kuyt with six minutes to go.

October 2012

Sterling scored his first competitive goal for Liverpool at senior level against Reading at Anfield. His 29th-minute strike earned Brendan Rodgers' side a 1-0 victory.

April 2014

After nearly a full season of playing time for the first team, Sterling became a key part of Liverpool's title charge and scored three big goals in this month. First, he left Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart for dead in a 3-2 win over Manchester City at Anfield and was then the difference a week later in a 3-2 win over Norwich.

June 2014

Sterling was one of few positives to emerge for England from a disappointing World Cup campaign. The Liverpool forward played in all three group games in Brazil.

August 2014

Sterling picked up where he left off from the previous season by scoring two goals in three games - one in a 2-1 win over Southampon at Anfield and the other at White Hart Lane in a 3-0 victory.

October 2014

After a busy start to the season with Liverpool, Sterling claimed he was 'too tired' to play for England. He played 45 minutes against San Marino before being substituted and came off the bench for the final half hour against Estonia a few days later.

January 2015

Sterling was given a mid-season break by Liverpool manager Rodgers to prevent him from burnout after a lot of playing time in the first half of the campaign and a World Cup the summer before. Sterling went on holiday to Jamaica and missed two matches during his time away.

April 2015

In an interview with the BBC, Sterling revealed he rejected a new Liverpool contract. The teenager also added that he wanted to win things and his decision was not about money.

In response, Rodgers said in a press conference that Sterling would not be going anywhere.

May 2015

Sterling tells Rodgers he wants to leave Liverpool despite there being one more game left in the season.

Sterling is booed by the away fans during Liverpool's 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the season.

Sterling's agent claims Sterling will not sign a new contract with the club, who respond by canceling a scheduled meeting with star and his representative.

June 2015

Sterling is booed by home fans during England's friendly with the Republic of Ireland.

Liverpool reject two bids - the second worth £40m - for Sterling from Man City.

July 2015

Sterling returns to pre-season training but tells Rodgers he doesn't want to go on the club's tour.

John Aldridge: Sterling has disappeared up his own backside