MARCUS RASHFORD is holding out for Champions League football next season — in a blow to Aston Villa and Manchester United.
The forward’s loan at Villa Park has ended and he will not sign permanently after Sunday’s 2-0 loss at United saw them finish sixth in the table.
SunSport understands boss Unai Emery wanted him long-term after some impressive performances since signing in January.
But Rashford, 27, who is on Barcelona’s radar, wants to join a club in Europe’s elite competition.
And they are set to sign Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who will wear his old No 10 shirt.
Rashford loved his time at Villa, recapturing his appetite for football after a nightmare end to his Old Trafford career.
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He contributed four goals and five assists in 17 games and earned an England recall.
But defeat at United saw them finish sixth, leaving their hopes of signing Rashford in tatters.
Villa would also struggle to finance a deal, with the final-day loss costing around £50million after being forced to settle for a Europa League spot.
United want to sell Rashford to help balance the books, allowing for a major overhaul of their squad and removal of his £350,000-a-week salary from their wage bill.
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Rashford — who would cost around £40m — said farewell to Villa fans yesterday on Instagram.
He said: “It is a special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms.
“It is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger.”
Wolves star Cunha, 25, has a £62.5million release clause and the Brazilian will sign a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
United are also keen on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, but he has the pick of several clubs.
They have identified Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a possible alternative.
