Barcelona have moved to distance themselves from Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, while academy winger Noah Ajayi has signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford.
United are in the midst of an extended international break, with Michael Carrick's side not back in action for another two weeks. The club have endured a difficult start to the season, winning just once in five Premier League matches, against Ipswich Town.
They opened the campaign with a 2-0 loss to Hull City and have also lost 1-0 to Manchester City. Draws with Everton and Fulham followed, with the latter being their last game before the break. Carrick's team were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton but did win their Champions League opener against Sabah FK.
Barcelona chief speaks out about JJ Gabriel
Last week, 15-year-old Gabriel requested that his United registration be terminated. As he is not old enough to sign a scholarship agreement or a pro contract, this would have been the only way for him to become a free agent and therefore leave for another club.
United denied this request to leave, but would be powerless to prevent Gabriel from leaving when he turns 16 on October 6. Because he qualifies for an EU passport via his Irish and Cypriot heritage, he could, in theory, move to another side in continental Europe after this date.
Barcelona were one club rumoured to be interested and reports even suggested that Gabriel and his representatives flew in to hold talks with the Spanish side. However, their sporting director, Deco, has now shut down these suggestions.
"There's nothing to say about this boy," Deco said at the Portugal Football Summit. "It's normal that players are linked with us. It always happens. There's a huge market for that with a lot of interests involved, even when [players] are young.
"But 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."
Academy winger signs new long-term deal
Elsewhere, one of Gabriel's team-mates, Noah Ajayi, has signed his first professional contract at the club. The 17-year-old prospect has impressed this season and last.
Ajayi is a regular for United's Under-18s, with whom he has played alongside Gabriel, and represents Germany at youth level, having been born in Hamburg.
United released a statement announcing Ajayi's contract, reading: "Exciting youngster Noah Ajayi has committed his future to Manchester United. The 17-year-old winger has signed a long-term professional contract."
Ajayi was a stand-out for Darren Fletcher's Under-18s side last season, making important contributions to help the young Reds reach the FA Youth Cup final.
"Everyone at Manchester United is delighted that Noah has signed a new deal and looks forward to seeing him progress."
