By Islam El-Sakka
Real Madrid are confident of securing the signature of Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, according to BBC Sport. The 16-year-old has been absent from United since walking out in September and has been training independently in Spain.
Background
Gabriel, who featured against Atletico Madrid during United's pre-season tour, was expected to become the club's youngest debutant in a Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. However, he chose to pursue senior opportunities elsewhere, alerting clubs across Europe including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Contract situation
The teenager holds a European Union passport, which simplifies a move to a club outside England. United would be entitled to compensation, though the fee would be reduced if he joins a non-Premier League side.
Acclaim and concern
Gabriel was named the Premier League's Under-18 player of the season last term despite being only 14 at the time. A United source described him as "the best 15-year-old in Europe," while former interim manager Darren Fletcher said "the world is his oyster."
United head coach Michael Carrick emphasized the need to protect the player's welfare, stating: "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."
