Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel has reportedly turned down an offer to join Paris Saint-Germain. The 16-year-old's future has been a topic of much discussion since United received a request to cancel Gabriel's academy registration last month.
Gabriel appeared to be on the cusp of an official first team debut before his future at Old Trafford was thrown into doubt. The teenager had regularly trained with Michael Carrick's squad and also featured during pre-season ahead of the current campaign.
Registration request and contract situation
A request for United to terminate the forward's academy registration came after he was not included in the Champions League squad to face Sabah in September. The Reds rejected the request and have since reportedly offered Gabriel scholarship terms but his future looks to lie elsewhere.
While United could prevent Gabriel from joining another English club, the 16-year-old can sign for a European side if he holds an EU passport. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the teams linked with the academy star but Gabriel's camp has reportedly rejected a proposal from PSG.
PSG proposal rejected
Spanish publication Sport reports that PSG have made contact about a possible move for Gabriel, but the youngster's stance remains unchanged. It is claimed that, while Gabriel appreciates PSG's interest, a move to France is not viewed as the best route for the United starlet's development.
It is reported that Gabriel has rejected PSG's proposal and reaffirmed his desire to play in Spain. The teenage sensation has been training away from Carrington while he attempts to resolve his future.
Real Madrid lead the chase
Sport claims that Real Madrid are currently the only club willing to pay around £8.5million required to secure Gabriel's services across a three-year contract. Barcelona are reported to have spoken to his agent Ali Barat but the club's sporting director Deco has previously distanced the Catalan club from the United forward in September.
"There's nothing to say about this boy, it's normal we always have players linked with us," Deco said, "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."
Other interested clubs ruled out
Following PSG's failure to win the race for Gabriel's signature, Sport claims that a move to Bayern Munich has also been ruled out. Meanwhile, Barcelona were unwilling to enter an expensive transfer battle.
Many England youth internationals would be unable to head abroad before their 18th birthday but Gabriel appears to have multiple routes to obtain an EU passport. His father Joe O'Cearuill is a former Republic of Ireland international and his mother is of Cypriot heritage.
Gabriel was named the U18 Premier League player of the season after scoring 23 goals in as many games for United last term. The 16-year-old was equally prolific at the start of the new campaign, netting a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League shortly before requesting to leave the club.
