Man City cheekily approached over loan for Erling Haaland

Manchester City have received a surprising short loan offer for Erling Haaland to prevent the prolific Norwegian striker from gathering dust during the World Cup break. Haaland is set to be out of action until after Christmas, with Norway failing to qualify for Qatar. However, he has the opportunity to maintain his match sharpness at none other than non-league Ashton United.

On Monday, Ashton United confirmed on Twitter that they had submitted a 28-day loan offer to their neighbours Man City for Haaland. The Manchester minnows have tried their luck at recruiting one of the world’s most lethal attacking forces to bolster their fight against relegation from the National League North – the sixth-tier of English football.

After Saturday’s defeat against Gainsborough Trinity, Ashton manager Michael Clegg hinted that the club were weighing up an approach for the 22-year-old. He said: “It just makes sense. City aren’t playing, and we want to help by keeping Erling fit. It makes more sense than him playing golf for six weeks. We think he will be a great fit for us and would slot in with our squad dynamic really well.”

Man City are yet to respond to the Robins’ approach, and it remains to be seen how comfortable Pep Guardiola would be letting one of the pillars of his formidable side sink to the depths of the pyramid. After recently returning from a foot injury, Haaland himself may not be keen to risk another blow in the unforgivable environment of non-league as the Premier League champions battle to retain their crown.

JUST IN: Pep Guardiola tells Benjamin Mendy rape trial ‘I’m not his father’

Man City are yet to respond to the Robins’ approach, and it remains to be seen how comfortable Pep Guardiola would be letting one of the pillars of his formidable side sink to the depths of the pyramid. After recently returning from a foot injury, Haaland himself may not be keen to risk another blow in the unforgivable environment of non-league as the Premier League champions battle to retain their crown.

But if the unthinkable happens… Haaland would be switching the Etihad Stadium for Hurst Cross, around six miles east of City’s home ground in Ashton-under-Lyne. Ashton United are scheduled to play nine games before the Blues are next in action, although tomorrow’s FA Cup clash with Cambridge United will likely come too soon…

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.