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 Advertisement

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.