STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2015: Liverpool's Raheem Sterling runs out to face Stoke City during the Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Raheem Sterling returns to Liverpool training

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has reported for training after a two-day absence, Press Association Sport understands.

STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2015: Liverpool's Raheem Sterling runs out to face Stoke City during the Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The unsettled forward is thought to have called in sick on Tuesday and Wednesday, further fuelling already considerable speculation over his future at the club.

The 20-year-old, the subject of two failed bids from Manchester City this summer, is believed to have asked not to travel on the club's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia earlier this week.

Liverpool are due to fly out on Sunday ahead of their first friendly against a Thai All Stars side in Bangkok next Tuesday.

The club's relationship with Sterling has become increasingly strained since the player rejected a contract offer of B£100,000 per week in January.

City have tried to take advantage of the situation but bids of up to B£30million and B£40million have been rejected by Liverpool, who are thought to value him at £50million.

City have maintained a silence over the affair but are thought to have been monitoring developments.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who is preparing to make his debut for new club LA Galaxy this weekend, has expressed his disappointment over how the saga has developed this week.

Gerrard left Anfield at the end of last season after making more than 700 appearances for the club.

SOFIA, BULGARIA - Wednesday, November 26, 2014: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling after their 2-2 draw with PFC Ludogorets Razgrad during the UEFA Champions League Group B match at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

He told Sky Sports News: "I'm not happy with all that carry-on. He needs to go in and see the owners. You don't have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour.

"There are millions of Liverpool fans waiting to see Raheem pull on a Liverpool shirt.

"It looks very disappointing from where I'm sat. The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too."

Gerrard believes the affair is playing out badly.

He said: "It's very difficult for me to sit here and support him and the team around him…what they're trying to do with his career at a young age.

"It'll be a terrible shame if he goes somewhere and doesn't kick on as a player.

"It's slightly disappointing how far the situation has gone – but the only way I can see for him is out at the moment."