Ashton eye Erl

MANCHESTER CITY have received a surprising short-term loan offer for Erling Haaland – to prevent their superstar striker from gathering dust during the World Cup break.

Non-League minnows Ashton United submitted a stunningly optimistic approach with Haaland set to be free as Norway have failed to qualify for Qatar.

The Northern Premier League part-timers, who play in the sixth tier of English football but are in a relegation battle, think they could keep Haaland’s fitness levels high. The club yesterday confirmed on Twitter they had submitted a 28-day loan offer to their neighbours City.

After Saturday’s defeat to Gainsborough Trinity, Ashton manager Michael Clegg 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.”

City have yet to respond to the approach.