Real Madrid are confident of signing Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish club regarded as the frontrunner among the teams interested in the 16-year-old. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to have been alerted to his availability.
Gabriel remains registered with United but has not returned to the club since leaving in September. He had been expected to have the chance to become United’s youngest debutant in a Carabao Cup match against Brighton, but has instead chosen to look elsewhere for senior football and has been training alone in Spain.
The forward featured against Atletico Madrid during United’s pre-season tour and scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut. He was also named the Premier League’s Under-18 Player of the Season last term, despite being 14 during the campaign.
Gabriel has obtained a European Union passport, which is expected to make a move to a club outside England easier. United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves, although the amount would be lower if he joins a club outside the Premier League.
After United’s cup defeat by Brighton, head coach Michael Carrick said the club needed to be careful in handling the situation, highlighting Gabriel’s age and the importance of protecting young players’ welfare and well-being.
Sources: BBC Sport.