MANCHESTER UNITED TEENAGER JJ GABRIEL REACHES REAL MADRID AGREEMENT

Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle to join Real Madrid, according to Sky Germany. Gabriel told United of his wish to leave the club in September and has not trained with the squad since. The forward turned 16 on 6 October. Real Madrid have moved ahead of rival clubs in pursuit of the teenager. The move could be finalised as early as January.

Gabriel joined Manchester United's academy four years ago and quickly became regarded as one of the club's most highly rated young players, featuring for the under-18 side at the age of 14. He trained under Michael Carrick during United's pre-season camp and had been expected to make his competitive first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Instead, Gabriel and his representatives explored other options once his intention to leave became clear. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all expressed interest in signing him before Real Madrid's agreement took shape. Gabriel holds an Irish passport.

Manchester United would be entitled to compensation should the transfer be completed, though the amount would be reduced if Gabriel signs for a club outside the Premier League. Carrick addressed the situation earlier in the campaign, when reports of Gabriel's intention to leave first emerged. "I just think we've got to be really careful of the whole situation," Carrick said. Gabriel has yet to make a senior appearance for Manchester United.