Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has insisted the club are not interested in signing JJ Gabriel from Manchester United. The 15-year-old stunned United last week by demanding to leave the club and has attracted interest from several teams across Europe and in the Premier League.
United compensation due
United are unable to give Gabriel a scholarship contract until he turns 16 on October 6 but would be due a compensation fee if he joins another club. Barcelona have reportedly held talks to sign Gabriel, but when asked about the situation on Thursday, Deco claimed that the Spanish champions are 'not involved' in discussions.
'There's nothing to say about this boy,' Deco said. 'It's normal we always have players linked with us. There's a huge market for that, even when they are young.
'We are not interested in any player in his situation. I'm not sure what's happening and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that.
'First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. To speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business.'
Gerrard warns against move
Speaking last weekend, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard warned Gabriel against a move away from United and backed Michael Carrick's judgement over the forward's pathway to the first team.
'In my opinion they need to look after the kid's health and his care, but Manchester United can give him that, they've got a history of doing that. I don't see the rush, I don't see the panic,' Gerrard told TNT Sports.
'I don't know what's been said or promised behind the scenes but from the outside this stinks to me that someone is pushing, forcing and rushing it. And I don't think it's going to help the kid in any way, shape or form.
'As I say, I'm a big rival of Manchester United, but I've watched Manchester United from afar, there's top coaches there, top people. I know Michael Carrick very well and, if this kid was ready, he'd be getting played.'
