ashton-united-erling-haaland-sportstiger

Credit: Twitter

The seventh-tier National League North team, Ashton United confirmed on Monday that it has approached Manchester City for a 28-day loan transfer of their star striker Erling Haaland during the FIFA World Cup 2022 break.

Erling Haaland won't be featuring in the upcoming World Cup after his national side, Norway failed to qualify for the quadrennial showpiece.

Ashton United released a statement on its website that read, "With the current Premier League champions not in action until late December due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, The Robins have reached out to our neighbours at the Ethiad in order to keep Haaland’s match fitness with him not being involved in Qatar."

After Saturday’s defeat to Gainsborough Trinity, Ashton United 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."

Premier League champions Manchester City are yet to respond on the Robins' loan approach for the 22-year-old.