U2 are set to release a new album in 2011, their manager has confirmed.

Paul McGuinness said the follow-up to 2009's 'No Line On The Horizon' would arrive before the group's North American tour.

“I would expect a new U2 album sooner than anybody thinks,” he told the Irish Times. “I would guess early 2011 before the next leg of the American tour, which starts in May.”

U2 have already previewed a host of new songs of their ongoing 360 Degree World tour.

Meanwhile, McGuinness also refuted claims that 'No Line On The Horizon' had underachieved, highlighting that it had still sold 5 million copies.

(by Jason Gregory)