RAHEEM STERLING HAS been included in Liverpool’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia despite his future at the club remaining uncertain.
The England international has been at the centre of a contract saga after the Reds reportedly rejected two bids from Manchester City for the wantaway forward.
Sterling’s relationship with Brendan Rodgers has become increasingly fraught as Liverpool remain firm in their stance over the player’s future.
The 20-year-old has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield and the Liverpool hierarchy won’t budge on their £50 million asking price.
Sterling was absent from the first two days of pre-season during the week due to illness but rejoined his team-mates on Friday.
Nonetheless, he has been included in Liverpool’s 30-man travelling party which leaves for the Far East on Sunday.
The Premier League side play four friendlies in Asia, beginning on Tuesday against the Thai All Stars, before rounding off their trip against HJK Helsinki in Finland.
There is no place on the plane for Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini or Jose Enrique who have all been left out and will now have to continue their own pre-season preparations at the club’s training base in Melwood.
It’s another clear indication that the club will look to offload the trio during the transfer window.
Divock Origi – who spent last season on loan at Lille in Ligue 1 – is set to make the trip, alongside close-season signings including Danny Ings and James Milner.
Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are absent, having competed in the Copa America with Brazil, with Germany Under-21 midfielder Emre Can also afforded extra rest.
