Raheem Sterling has been named in Liverpool's 30-man squad
for their pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia.
The Premier League club listed their squad for the trip on
Saturday with the 20-year-old England striker included.
However, Italy forward Mario Balotelli is a notable
omission.
Sterling's involvement comes after he failed to report to
the club's Melwood base for pre-season work on Wednesday and Thursday, citing
illness, before turning up on Friday.
It was reported the striker had also asked manager Brendan
Rodgers not to send him on the trip as uncertainty over his future with the Reds
rumbles on.
Sterling has been the subject of two failed bids, the second
reported to be worth STG40 million ($A82.60 million), from Manchester City and
it is understood senior figures at Etihad Stadium are continuing to monitor the
situation at Anfield.
It has been claimed City are now poised to make contact with
Liverpool again, and are possibly readying a bid of STG50 million, which would
equal the Reds' valuation.
But there has been no comment from the Etihad club.
Balotelli has been left out along with Fabio Borini and Jose
Enrique, with the trio due to continue their pre-season preparations at
Melwood, although their absence raises questions over their futures with the
club.
Also absent from the squad are Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can
and new signing Roberto Firmino, who have been given additional time off after
international duty.
Liverpool are due to fly to Bangkok on Sunday ahead of their
first friendly against a Thai All Stars side next Tuesday.
They will play Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on July 17
and Adelaide United at Adelaide Oval three days later.
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