Real Madrid are confident of winning the race to sign Manchester United teenage forward JJ Gabriel, who is reportedly considering his future at Old Trafford, according to BBC Sport on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old remains registered with United but has not returned to the club since walking out in September, with the youngster understood to be exploring opportunities elsewhere for a pathway into senior football.
Gabriel had been tipped to become Manchester United’s youngest-ever first-team debutant when he was expected to feature in September’s Carabao Cup encounter against Brighton.
However, the highly rated forward has opted to look elsewhere and has reportedly been training on his own in Spain.
His uncertain future has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid are considered the leading contenders for his signature.
Gabriel previously impressed during Manchester United’s pre-season tour, where he featured against Atletico Madrid.
The teenager also made headlines after scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut, further strengthening his reputation as one of Europe’s promising young prospects.
His potential departure has been made easier by his acquisition of a European Union passport, which is expected to simplify a move to a club outside England.
Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if Gabriel leaves the club, although the amount would reportedly be lower if he joins a team outside the Premier League.
Despite his age, Gabriel has already earned significant recognition for his performances at youth level. He was named the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season last term, despite being just 14 during the campaign.
A Manchester United source reportedly described him as “the best 15-year-old in Europe” earlier this year, while former interim manager Darren Fletcher also praised his potential.
“The world is his oyster,” Fletcher said.
United head coach Michael Carrick had earlier urged caution when discussing the teenager’s situation following the club’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton.
“We’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” Carrick said.
“He’s a young boy. He’s 15 and, for me definitely, and from a club point of view, looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation.”
Real Madrid’s reported interest could now provide Gabriel with an opportunity to continue his development in Spain, although his next move remains uncertain.
