Wednesday 8 July 2015 12:44, UK
Raheem Sterling risks tarnishing his reputation with his reported Liverpool snub, says Jamie Carragher.
Several UK newspapers reported on Wednesday that the 20-year-old, who returned to training on Tuesday, told Liverpool he would not be going on their pre-season tour.
Last month Manchester City had a £40m bid rejected by Liverpool, and Sky Sports pundit Carragher suggests this latest chapter in the saga may have been instigated by City rather than Sterling himself.
"Reports today suggest Raheem Sterling has told Brendan Rodgers he doesn't want to go away on the pre-season tour," he wrote on Kicca.
“All clubs at times have asked a player to push a move through but even so it's still a story that doesn't reflect well on Raheem.”
"This at times comes from the club who are chasing the player - in this case Man City - who ask a player to try and force the move after having two bids that were unsuccessful.
"All clubs at times have asked a player to push a move through but even so it's still a story that doesn't reflect well on Raheem."
Sterling has already told Liverpool he will not be signing a new contract, with Chelsea also interested in a deal for the 20-year-old.
But Carragher believes the ongoing saga could do long-term damage to the England international’s image.
"He's starting to get a reputation that could be hard to rid himself of in the future," he added.
"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."
Sky Sports News HQ understands Chelsea are also interested in Sterling but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's £50m valuation of the player.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers remains adamant Sterling is not for sale.
