Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has caught the interest of several of Europe’s top clubs and Real Madrid have reportedly intensified their bid for the highly-rated teenager. Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on the situation as Gabriel has made a request to leave United.
The 15-year-old forward has been a hot topic ever since he has been promoted through Manchester United’s youth system. Gabriel has been with the club from age 11 and was the youngest player to win United’s Jimmy Murphy Award as an Under-18 last season for his stellar performance with the club’s youth team.
All that changed this week, however, when Gabriel and his representatives made a formal request to cancel his Manchester United registration. United were left in shock by the move and are on a quest to find out what on earth is going on and how it can be sorted out, reports Sky Sports.
Real Madrid have been eyeing Gabriel for a while and have stepped up their pursuit of the Italian ahead of now, as they strive to battle to a dead-lock with Barcelona. The two giants of Spain believe they have an opportunity to take one of the most closely-watched young talents of England to Madrid, according to reports. Chelsea and Bayern are said to be interested as well.
Barcelona are still in with a chance still and young players’ reputations mean that the Catalan club may be attractive. But the latest news suggests Real Madrid have a mind to make their bid real.
The complexity of the situation is further complicated by Gabriel’s age. He will be 16 on Oct. 6 and thus will not be able to sign a scholarship until past that date when a professional contract must be signed at the age of 17. His registration can only be cancelled through the relevant process involving the player, club and parent or guardian, with the Premier League able to intervene if an agreement cannot be reached.
So far Gabriel’s future is still uncertain but the Real Madrid-Barcelona contest between the two and a host of other interested sides could emerge as one of the biggest young player transfer stories this season.
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