Raheem Sterling has told Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he wishes to leave Anfield and that he does not want to be considered for Liverpool's pre-season tour of South-East Asia and Australia.
Sterling has held two meetings with Rodgers since returning to Melwood for training on Monday. It is understood that in the second he informed the manager of his intentions, although the winger has not yet lodged an official transfer request.
Manchester City have not made contact with Liverpool since their second offer two weeks ago but are aware of the development and preparing to make a third bid for Sterling in the coming days.
It remains to be seen whether Sterling will board the flight to Bangkok for the first leg of Liverpool's tour on Sunday.
Manchester United were last night seeking to end their frustrating summer search for a right-back by moving for Torino's Italy international defender Matteo Darmain for a fee of £12m.
The 25-year-old may be in Manchester as early as next week to wrap up a deal, equipping the Old Trafford club with a player who was a product of Milan's youth system and impressed for Cesare Prandelli's Italy side at last summer's World Cup.
With manager Louis van Gaal harbouring doubts about Rafael da Silva's suitability, United were thwarted in their attempts to strengthen in the position earlier this summer when Barcelona's Dani Alves decided to stay at the Nou Camp. – The Independent