Agent alleges 'breakdown in trust' with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers as Raheem Sterling AWOL again

Sterling’s future at Liverpool is in doubt after he told the club he did not want to go on the pre-season tour to Australia and Asia and then called in sick on Wednesday.

It was the same story on Thursday, as Sterling again failed to make it in to the club's Melwood facility.

Thursday’s newspaper reports suggested that Sterling, who has been the subject of two offers from Manchester City, would only consider staying at Anfield if they club were to dispense with Rodgers.

[PAPER ROUND: Sterling will stay if 'Liverpool sack Rodgers']

The Mirror reported: “Sterling … remains adamant he has kicked his last ball under the 42-year-old's leadership and maintains he will not go on tour with Liverpool's current boss. The England international claims Rodgers has continually broken promises to keep conversations private.

“He is also convinced that it was the club that leaked his conversation with Rodgers about not wanting to go on tour, which the manager denies.”

Sterling’s agent confirmed that issues of trust have caused a rupture in the relationship between player and manager.

Ward told the Daily Mail:

The Mirror has more details about Sterling’s state of mind regarding his manager.

“Rodgers has always maintained the pair have a close relationship. But Sterling feels the former Swansea boss made a particular point of standing near him when photographers were allowed into training, so they would get pictures of the pair of them close together.

“The player feels that trust has been broken on at least three occasions when private conversations have ended up in the public domain - particularly when Rodgers has apparently spoken openly about confidential contract details.”

It was Rodgers who revealed to the press in February that Liverpool had offered Sterling an “incredible deal” – reportedly worth £100,000 per week – which the 20-year-old has refused to sign.

Manchester City’s second offer for Sterling was £35 million rising to £40m, with reports suggesting an offer of £45m rising to £50m would be enough to prise him from Anfield.