Man City receive 28-day loan offer for Erling Haaland to keep him playing during World Cup

Manchester City star Erling Haaland will not be taking part in the World Cup this winter in Qatar after Norway failed to qualify for the competition while the Premier League is on halt

Posted Tuesday, November 15, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Manchester City have received a cheeky month-long loan for Erling Haaland to keep the striker fit during the World Cup - from a non-league club.

The 22-year-old is effectively on holiday for over a month with the Premier League on halt as the Qatari competition goes on. But that does not mean that all football has come to an end.

Deep down in the football pyramid away from the six-figure contracts and 60,000-seat stadiums, non-league teams are still competing and that is the case for Ashton United in the seventh tier.

United released a statement on their website making clear their intention to launch an audacious bid to take the Norway international on loan for 28 days, with the striker's country not in the World Cup and Haaland currently not playing any football until the Premier League returns on Boxing Day.

Manager Michael Clegg, who played for City's rivals Manchester United, explained: "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."

Ashton United play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at Hurst Cross but have had problems going forward - netting just 23 times this season. It might be fair to say that Haaland could help boost them numbers considering his impact already at City.

The Leeds-born ace has scored 23 times in 18 appearances already since making a switch from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. That includes 18 goals in 13 Premier League appearances.

While City are yet to respond to Ashton United's bid, it might be fair to say that the Manchester minnows should not wait by the phone. However, if you don't buy a ticket, you don't win the raffle.