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Manchester City are unlikely to meet Liverpool's £50m valuation for Raheem Sterling.

Although the Sterling saga took another twist on Wednesday, as the 20-year-old forward phoned in sick and failed to attend Liverpool training, M.E.N. Sport understands a third bid is not imminent.

City's stance comes just a day after they cooled their interest in midfielder Paul Pogba over Juventus' £71m asking price.

The developments could severely impact City's transfer strategy, although they remain hopeful of signing Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin de Bruyne.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak promised last month the club would make 'high-quality signings', however City's only arrival this summer has been Turkish teenager Enes Unal.

Blues players returned for pre-season training on Tuesday and the club has already had two offers rejected for England international Sterling, who is believed to have told Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he does not want to go on the club's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia.

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City saw a £25m bid rising to £30m package and then a £35m offer rising to £40m snubbed by Liverpool.

Sterling’s Liverpool contract expires in 2017 and he rejected a £100,000-a-week offer earlier this year while his agent, Aidy Ward, allegedly said in May Sterling would not sign a £900,000-a-week deal to stay at the Anfield Club.

His agent Aidy Ward allegedly said in May Sterling would not sign a £900,000-a-week deal to stay at the Anfield club.

Liverpool have denied claims Sterling 'doesn't want to play' for manager Brendan Rodgers and have reinforced their attack in the event Sterling does leave.

Strikers Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino have signed for The Reds and Belgian forward Divock Origi will link up with the squad after spending a year on-loan at Lille.

See City fans' top transfer targets below