Madrid/">Real Madrid are nearing an agreement to sign Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel, 16. The Spanish club have offered him a multi-year contract and hope to bring him in during January, subject to further talks.
Gabriel remains registered with United’s academy until the end of the season. United are understood not to have been contacted by either the player’s representatives or Madrid about the proposed move, and would consider legal action if they believed regulations had been broken.
Madrid reportedly intend to use a Fifa provision that allows clubs in the European Union to offer professional contracts to young players who hold an EU passport. Gabriel is eligible to acquire one through his parents, but Fifa approval would be required. United would be due compensation if he joined Madrid or another club. Madrid have been approached for comment.
Gabriel left United in September and is believed to be training in Spain. A move to Madrid could offer a route towards senior football through Castilla, the club’s B team, which plays in Spain’s regionalised third tier.
He made his United debut in a pre-season friendly against Atlético Madrid in Stockholm in August, aged 15, and had trained with the first team. Gabriel was also the youngest recipient of United’s academy player of the year award last season and was named Premier League Under-18 player of the season.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.