Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel looks set to leave Old Trafford, with Real Madrid and Barcelona leading the race to sign the 16-year-old. Reports in Spain claim Jose Mourinho's side believe they've won the race and are close to agreeing a deal for the highly-rated prospect to join in the January window.
Real Madrid optimism grows
According to Sport, there is growing optimism from Real Madrid about signing Gabriel, despite there being no agreement with the La Liga side as things stand. The report follows on from news that United offered a scholarship contract to Gabriel despite the player's representatives requesting his registration be terminated.
Gabriel, who celebrated his 16th birthday earlier this month on October 6, has not attended Carrington since seeking his release from United. The forward has instead spent the past three weeks working with a private coach in Castelldefels, Catalonia.
Interest from European giants
Barcelona and Real Madrid have both conducted discussions regarding signing Gabriel, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also expressing interest and holding talks with the forward. A move to Spain is said to be the teenager's and his family's preference.
United are contemplating legal proceedings if the teenager departs, which he is now anticipated to do, despite earlier optimism that an agreement could ultimately be reached.
Compensation and contract details
United have submitted an official scholarship contract proposal to the player, and had they not, Gabriel could have joined another Premier League club without a fee in January. Domestic competitors would now be required to negotiate with United through standard channels.
As is typically the situation when the most coveted academy players transfer between English clubs, a Professional Football Compensation Committee tribunal determines the price if no fee is settled. United would reportedly expect to receive in excess of £3million plus a 20% sell-on clause. Should Gabriel move outside England, the club would be left with a considerably smaller sum.
Based on official FIFA compensation figures for a Category I academy, United would be entitled to approximately £350,000. Players from England are ordinarily unable to switch clubs before their 18th birthday, following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
EU passport route
Gabriel, however, could circumvent this restriction with an EU passport, though it remains uncertain whether he currently holds the necessary documentation. His father, Joe O'Cearuill, played twice for the Republic of Ireland national team, qualifying through his Irish mother, and also has a Trinidadian father. Gabriel's mother is of Cypriot heritage, providing the youngster with two routes to an EU passport.
