Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Blames Falling-out with Brendan Rodgers

Raheem Sterling blames the "broken promises" of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers for his desire to leave the club. According to John Cross and Darren Lewis of the Mirror, the wantaway winger would be happy to stay at Anfield if another manager was in charge.

The Reds have turned down two bids from Manchester City ahead of their pre-season tour of the Far East, a trip Sterling doesn't want to be a part of. He believes Rodgers has continually gone against his word and made private conversations known to the public, "particularly when Rodgers has apparently spoken openly about confidential contract details," writes Cross and Lewis.

Sterling also feels the boss deliberately stood near him when photographers were allowed into training. Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4 tweeted the Mirror's latest headline:

Guardian writer Sid Lowe offered comment:

Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World noted the inevitability of this ongoing saga:

 The versatile forward suspects a "rogue employee" at the club is leaking his contact details. He reportedly received "more than 2,000 abusive texts and 1,200 WhatsApp messages" after his phone number was posted online on Tuesday. It is suggested Sterling has already changed his phone number three times this year. Additionally, Cross and Lewis suggested "angry fans" recently journeyed to Sterling's house to make their feelings about the situation known.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Aidy Ward, Sterling's agent, is no longer the representative of West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino, as reported by Charles Sale of the Daily Mail. The 21-year-old has "become disillusioned" with Ward's management of the Sterling saga and has seemingly severed his ties with Ward.

"I'm no longer working with Saido," said Ward, relayed by Sale. "You'll have to ask him for the reasons. With Raheem, there has been a breakdown in trust between him and Brendan Rodgers."

Ward allegedly suggested Sterling wouldn't sign another contract at Liverpool if they offered him as much as £900,000 per week, although he denied making this comment, per Sky Sports.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

However, in another potential twist to this story, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reports City are unwilling to meet Liverpool's £50 million valuation to acquire the player. Luckhurst suggests "a third bid is not imminent," which perhaps leaves Sterling in a situation where he will have to face up to playing under Rodgers once more.

There's no doubt a bid of this size would be a huge commitment to Sterling, a player who hasn't covered himself in glory during his escape plan. Reputations are built in scenarios like this, so City will know it could happen again. British comedian Matt Lucas hinted as much:

Sterling's potential is obvious. He is an extremely talented youngster who possesses technical quality and sturdy physical attributes for his size. Next season's task will be to beat his tally of seven goals, something which is certainly doable in the right circumstances.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Rodgers has put together a midfield unit that could feed Sterling next term, with Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino likely to be sat behind a lone forward. City have the opportunity to perform a rescue act, but if they decide against it, burned bridges may need to be rebuilt.

This seems troublesome from Sterling and Ward's point of view. It's possible Cross and Lewis' article could be based on a drip feed of information from the latter. Although Sterling is a quality player, Liverpool and Rodgers must ask themselves whether he is really worth this hassle.