Ashton United have made an audacious loan offer for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Given the talent of City's squad it is not surprising that 16 of Pep Guardiola's players are heading to Qatar this week to take part in the 2022 World Cup. What is a little surprising, however, is that the best striker in the world is not among them.
Haaland will not be playing in the tournament as Norway failed to qualify. That means the 22-year-old has six weeks to prepare for the resumption of the club season, and local non-league side Ashton United want to help.
Ashton - who play in the Northern Premier League, the seventh tier of English football - have made a 28-day loan offer for the striker. On Monday the Robins confirmed their offer with an official statement on their website, explaining that they have "reached out to our neighbours at the Etihad in order to keep Haaland’s match fitness with him not being involved in Qatar."
