Manchester United have reportedly received blow in pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who wants to play in the UEFA Champions League.

According to a report by Daily Mail, Manchester United can bid goodbye to their hopes of signing Wilfried Zaha in the summer transfer window. The Ivory Coast international does want to leave Crystal Palace but will only join a club playing in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Zaha has found a new lease of life since leaving Manchester United to return to his boyhood club Crystal Palace. In fact, he has made such progress at Selhurst Park that he is now regarded as one of the best attacking superstars on show in the Premier League.

The season gone by has been one of his best ever since he made his senior debut, with the player recording a return of 10 goals and as many assists in 34 Premier League appearances. But, Zaha’s constant advent does not bode well for Palace, with Manchester United being linked with a move.

The Red Devils are currently on their lowest ebb since the inception of the Premier League, having finished an astounding 32 points behind champions Manchester City. The poor campaign is set to give way to a summer of squad overhaul, with just about every department set to be addressed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Attack is understandably a priority for the Manchester United boss, with none of the front men managing to remain consistent this past season. As a result, it is widely believed that the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial could be on the chopping block, while others name might be added as well.

Zaha is thus, a viable target for Manchester United, where Solskjaer can possibly use him in various positions. But, United have now received a major blow in pursuit of the 26-year-old. Zaha has made his intention to leave Crystal Palace known to chairman Steve Parish.

Not willing to listen to Manchester United's calls. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Not willing to listen to Manchester United’s calls. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

But, the catch for Manchester United is that the player will only join a club that has qualified for the UEFA Champions League, a tournament he is keen on playing in next season. The Red Devils stand no chance of playing in Europe’s premier club competition after finishing 6th in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are ready to listen to offers for Zaha, even though they are reluctant to part with their talisman. Zaha though, is worried he could be priced out of a summer move, with the Eagles slapping an £80 million price tag on him.

While Manchester United could afford the amount, the fact that the 26-year-old desires Champions League football has effectively put them out of the running. Their best option thus, seems to be in the form of Daniel James, as of now, although it remains to be seen if they can convince Zaha to make his way back to Old Trafford as well.

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