Who do Liverpool need to sign to retain the title? Keep up with all the Reds news with our free daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Manchester City are closing in on a £45m deal for Raheem Sterling.

They have made an improved third bid for the Liverpool forward and the clubs are now understood to be in advanced negotiations over the huge deal.

Sterling will now not be on Liverpool's pre-season trip to Australia and the Far East when the plane leaves this afternoon.

It is the club that have withdrawn him from the trip after he reported for training with the rest of the squad this

morning at Melwood.

City have been chasing Sterling all summer and, having had two bids of £30m and £35m turned down, they re-opened dialogue again on Friday.

An improved bid was then lodged and now the deal looks as if it will happen.

(Image: EMPICS)

It is a huge blow for Liverpool to lose their England star but Sterling has made it clear he wants to leave after a deterioration in his relationship with Brendan Rodgers.

(Image: Reuters)

Sterling also wants Champions League football to enhance his England career.

City are desperate to make Sterling their stellar signing of the summer and are clearly determined to get their man.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Comment: Raheem Sterling's spiteful, cowardly attack on Brendan Rodgers is disgusting - and in sharp contrast to Luis Suarez

Andy Dunn: Raheem Sterling must be blind if he cannot see how much Brendan Rodgers has done for him

Sterling was back in training with Liverpool this week: