Liverpool has omitted Raheem Sterling from their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East. The omission is seen as a sign that a move to Manchester City is closer to being completed as representatives from both clubs are formally locked in negotiations.
Raheem Sterling will not travel to the Far East with Liverpool after Manchester City entered into formal negotiations to sign the winger.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) July 12, 2015
Earlier this week, Raheem Sterling failed to report to the first two days of pre-season training after phoning in ill.
It is reported that Manchester City are set to offer Raheem Sterling £200,000 a week should Liverpool accept a £45 million package, which could rise to £50 million based on incentives. Should the transfer go through with the reported figure, Raheem Sterling would be set to become the most expensive English player.
With the ever-increasing odds of the departure of Raheem Sterling, Liverpool may have found their replacement in Denis Cheryshev . The 22-year-old Real Madrid winger is deemed surplus to requirements. However, Liverpool will be competing with Villarreal for the Russian’s signature after spending last season on loan to the Spanish club. The Reds are confident that a £22 million offer could seal the deal.
It is also rumored that Liverpool could make a shock transfer bid for Manchester United’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. Hernandez spent last season on loan at Real Madrid. However, they have decided not to pursue the deal on a permanent basis.
“I want to join a team where I can play and get minutes. If I can do that at Manchester United or another club, I’ll be happy. First-team football is my priority over anything else.”
Manchester United have already allowed Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie to leave, and it is unlikely that they will allow Hernandez to do so as well before purchasing replacements for the upcoming Premier League season.
[Image via Alex Livesey / Getty Images]