ASHTON United have made a sensational approach to take Manchester City megastar Erling Haaland on loan.
The Norwegian will be out of action as the Premier League is taking a break during the forthcoming World Cup, which Norway have not qualified for.
So the Hurst Cross club has made a cheeky bid to give the 22-year-old a taste of life in the Northern Premier League.
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.”
The Robins, who currently sit 11th in the Premier Division, will not be able to pay anywhere the wages Haaland receives at Manchester City.
They actually play Maine Road FC, named after the Blues’ former ground, in the Manchester Premier Cup tonight (Monday, November 14).
Forthcoming fixtures the 22-year-old may feature in include a trip to South Shields, who lost 2-0 to Forest Green in the first round of the FA Cup.
And Ashton United joint chairman Jonathan Burke hopes the deal can be done sooner rather than later.
He wrote on Twitter: “I’m really hoping we can get this one over the line. Erling, how do you feel about Bamber Bridge this Saturday?”