Real Madrid are confident about winning the race to sign Manchester United's wantaway teenage sensation JJ Gabriel after reportedly reaching an agreement in principle with the 16-year-old.
Gabriel made clear his intention to leave Old Trafford in September. He is still registered to United but walked out on the club on the eve of making his first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Verbal agreement and interest from Europe's elite
The teenager wanted to cancel his United contract and has left the country, training on his own in Spain as he looks to continue his development abroad. It is reported that Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle to sign for Los Blancos.
According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Madrid are the favourites to sign Gabriel and the transfer is being pushed towards completion, although nothing has been signed yet.
Other clubs remain on alert
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG have also shown interest in the forward and remain on alert if the demanding teenager fails to put pen to paper with Madrid. The German giants have reportedly remained in contact with Gabriel but emerged as only an outside contender due to the financial package that Madrid were willing to offer him.
January exit expected
It is added that Gabriel will leave United as early as January, with the deal to take place in 2027. Gabriel holds an Irish passport and can complete a move to Europe after turning 16 in October.
