Barcelona sporting director Deco has responded to speculation linking the club with Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, insisting that the Spanish giants are not 'interested in any player in his situation'.
The 15-year-old has informed United of his intention to depart the club, with his family reportedly convinced the club has fallen behind their competitors and that his progression would be better facilitated elsewhere. Gabriel has turned heads with a series of standout displays for United's academy teams and garnered considerable interest during pre-season after being incorporated into Michael Carrick's first-team squad. Nevertheless, he is yet to make his senior breakthrough.
Carabao Cup omission
Plans had been in place for Gabriel to make his first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, only for him to be omitted from the matchday squad following his transfer request. United have less than two weeks to reach a resolution before he turns 16 on October 6, when he will become eligible to be legally represented by an agent. The forward will also be permitted to join a foreign club utilising his Irish passport.
Earlier this week, reports from Spain suggested Gabriel could be heading across Europe, with Barcelona and Real Madrid amongst the clubs said to be monitoring his situation. Reports have emerged claiming that Gabriel and his representatives had already travelled to Spain, visiting both Madrid and Barcelona, with the United youngster allegedly having reached a 'first major agreement' to join one of the two clubs rather than pursue alternative options.
Deco's response
Deco has now responded to the speculation, emphasising that Barcelona would first need to fully understand the circumstances before contemplating any potential approach.
"There's nothing to say about this boy, it's normal we always have players linked with us," Deco told journalist Ben Jacobs.
"There's a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young. We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am 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. And to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business."
Contract and future
United officials remain uncertain about what has prompted Gabriel to pursue a departure from the club he joined aged 11. The youngster made his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah last Thursday and celebrated the milestone with a hat-trick as his meteoric rise through the academy ranks continued.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are refusing to cave to the demands and rip up the youngster's existing contract, which runs until the end of the campaign. Should United terminate the agreement, they could pocket as little as £300,000 in compensation, despite Gabriel potentially being valued at millions of pounds in years to come. There is also the prospect that Gabriel could lodge an appeal with the Premier League or FIFA in a bid to force through his exit from United.
Gabriel has been away from the club for the last fortnight and his departure now seems ever more probable, though United have emphasised that the youngster's wellbeing remains their top priority.
