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Liverpool FC still expect Raheem Sterling to be part of their squad for the pre-season tour - despite the wantaway winger's desire to miss the trip to the Far East and Australia.

The England international has reiterated to Brendan Rodgers his wish to leave Anfield as he attempts to force through a move to Manchester City.

Sterling has also asked the manager not to be included in the touring party who fly to Thailand on Sunday.

However, Liverpool's stance remains unchanged and until Man City match their £50million valuation then the 20-year-old will be expected to honour his commitments.

Unless a deal is in place, the Reds will demand that Sterling travels and if he fails to show up then he will be subject to disciplinary action.

Liverpool have been braced for a third bid from City since they rejected an improved offer of £35million rising to £40million last month.

However, three weeks on, there has been no further talks between the clubs with City reluctant to go as high as £50million.

IN PICS: Raheem Sterling's Liverpool career

Unless City make a decisive move in the coming days then Sterling, who reported back to Melwood for the start of pre-season on Monday, will be expected to travel on the tour. The first game is in Bangkok next Tuesday.

Sterling has been warned by Liverpool that in the absence of an acceptable offer then he will be held to the final two years of his existing £35,000 per week contract.

Liverpool found themselves in a similar situation on tour Down Under two years ago when Luis Suarez was trying to engineer a move to Arsenal.

The Reds refused to bow to his demands and the Uruguayan striker was later banished to train on his own before accepting he was going nowhere and knuckling down.

City, who are expected to spend big this summer after UEFA eased the Financial Fair Play restrictions, fly to Australia on Thursday for an 11-day training camp on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

While Sterling’s immediate future remains unclear, there is also no resolution in sight to Liverpool’s pursuit of Christian Benteke.

The big Belgian frontman is due to report back for pre-season with Aston Villa on Wednesday ahead of their trip to Portugal the following day.

Benteke is expected to inform boss Tim Sherwood of his desire to quit the Midlands outfit in search of European football.

However, he will be told that Villa will only sell if a club meets the £32.5million release clause in his contract.

Liverpool aren’t willing to go that high as they value him around £20million to £25million but they retain hope that a compromise can still be reached. It remains to be seen whether the player’s determination to move on does eventually lead to Villa lowering their demands,

Anfield officials are respectful of Villa’s position on the basis that Liverpool have adopted a similarly hardline stance with Sterling - placing a price on a player they don’t want to lose which they insist is non-negotiable.

Like Sterling, Benteke also has two years remaining on his current contract and has made it clear he won’t pen an extension.