Liverpool deny Raheem Sterling does not want to play for Brendan Rodgers

Raheem Sterling (right) has told Brendan Rodgers he does not want to play for him.

Sky sources understand that Raheem Sterling wants to leave Liverpool because he does not want to play for manager Brendan Rodgers - a claim categorically denied by the club.

The 20-year-old missed training today, but was at Melwood on Tuesday where he attended a 25-minute meeting with the Reds boss.

Sky sources understand that Rodgers reiterated his desire for the England international to stay at the club, claiming that if Sterling wanted more money, then he was confident that a deal could be reached between the player and the Liverpool hierarchy.

However, it is reported Sterling countered that by telling Rodgers that his concerns were not over money or the club itself, but rather that he did not want to play for the manager, something which Liverpool have now refuted.

The Liverpool squad are due to travel to Australia and the Far East on Sunday to begin pre-season training but Sky sources understand Sterling indicated it would be in everyone's best interests if he did not join that tour.

Rodgers wants Sterling to stay at Liverpool

His fear is that his presence on the tour would take the focus off the manager and the new players, believing that it would be better if he stayed at Melwood and continues to train.

Manchester City have had two bids for Sterling rejected and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has said that the forward could be risking his reputation by refusing to go on the tour.