MINNOWS BID FOR HAALAND

PART-TIMERS Ashton United have revealed their latest loan target Erling Haaland.

The Northern Premier League club contacted Manchester City to see if Haaland (below) fancies turning out for them in English football’s seventh tier to stop him getting rusty during the World Cup break.

With Norway failing to qualify for

Qatar, the Premier League’s leading scorer might not play competitive football again until just before Christmas.

Ashton yesterday confirmed on Twitter they had submitted a

28-day loan bid to neighbours City.

After Saturday’s defeat against Gainsborough Trinity, boss Michael Clegg hinted 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.”

Haaland would not have far to travel. Ashton’s Hurst Cross Stadium – capacity 4,500 – is about six miles from the 54,400-seat Etihad.

Ashton have eight fixtures scheduled before Haaland would be needed again by the Premier League champions for the December 22 Carabao Cup visit of Liverpool. City have yet to respond.