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Raheem Sterling could face disciplinary action from Liverpool as his mission to force through a move to Manchester City turns increasingly ugly.

The England international failed to report to Melwood on Wednesday after phoning in sick – just hours after it emerged he had requested to be left out of the Reds’ squad for the tour of the Far East and Australia.

If club medical staff establish that Sterling was in fact fit to train then he’s likely to be fined. Sterling has also been informed that as it stands he’s expected to fly with the Reds to Bangkok on Sunday.

Despite Sterling’s sustained attempts to force Liverpool’s hand, Anfield officials are adamant that he will only be sold if City meet their £50million valuation. There has been no further bids since an improved offer of £35m rising to £40m was rejected three weeks ago.

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Sterling has been subjected to a succession of vile and abusive calls and messages since his mobile phone number was published on the internet on Tuesday evening.

The 20-year-old is considering whether to pass on the details of those responsible to the authorities.

The sorry saga plumbed new depths with Sterling’s camp insisting that the player’s main motivation for leaving Liverpool was because his relationship with Brendan Rodgers has broken down and he no longer wants to play for him.

That was news to the stunned Northern Irishman, who has repeatedly defended Sterling in the face of stinging criticism about contract negotiations and his off-field antics in recent months.

Sterling accepted an invitation to have dinner at Rodgers’ house back in May and the youngster has regularly spoken in the past about his debt of gratitude to the manager who has guided his development over the past three years.

Rodgers has always been protective of the 20-year-old, who was granted a winter break in Jamaica last December.

“It’s great to have a manager that has belief in you,” Sterling said last year.

“For a young player that’s all you cry out for. I’m grateful that he has so much belief in me.”

Speaking back in February, Sterling said: “I don’t think there is a better place for young lads than Liverpool at this moment in time. The manager has blooded a lot of young players like myself and Jordon (Ibe).”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the way the whole affair is playing out could be causing long-lasting damage to Sterling’s standing.

“He’s starting to get a reputation that could be hard to rid himself of in the future,” Carragher wrote on www.kicca.com.

“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 Man City’s wishes.”