It’s been less than a year since they released their last album, but U2 are already close to their next album release, with the rockers peppering new tracks into their live sets!

The Irish foursome, who are currently on a worldwide tour, have performed numerous unreleased tracks during their performances leading to widespread rumours that there could be an album cooking.

Manager Paul McGuinness confirmed fans’ guess-work to the Irish Times, “I would expect a new U2 album sooner than anybody thinks,” he said. “I would guess early 2011 before the next leg of the American tour, whichstarts in May.”

Despite a hectic touring schedule and Bono’s recent back injury, it is thought that the band are throwing themselves into the recording of this new album to make up for the lukewarm reception of 2009’s ‘No Line On The Horizon’ which took over four years to complete.

In other U2 news, the hit-makers are rumoured to be headlining the already sold out Glastonbury 2011! U2 were forced to cancel last year’s set, after Bono suffered painful back surgery.