London, Nov 23 It has emerged that Irish rock band U2 will be headlining Glastonbury's 40th birthday next year.

This will be the first time that the band has ever played at the festival, and it will be a career highlight for both Glasto founder Michael Eavis and U2 frontman Bono.

"Everyone is over the moon that the deal has been done," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

"Michael really wanted a huge name for the 40th anniversary and the fact U2 have never played Glastonbury in their 32-year career only adds to the mystique.

"In fact Eavis has been asking them for a while now and really stepped up the effort this year. This could be an iconic moment," the source added.

U2 cunningly left a gap in their US tour schedule for the gig, which will take place on Friday, June 25.

"I know lots of people want us to play," Bono had said earlier this year.

"It's something we're working up our whole life to do. We really, really want to do this," he added.

The event sold out in hours last month before even one act had been announced, and Eavis, and daughter Emily are determined to give fans an all-star line-up.

"The expectations are really high and we're trying to get the best headliners in the world," he added.

The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, David Bowie, Muse and even Led Zeppelin are among those rumoured to be in the running for spots. (ANI)