Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel has turned down an offer to join Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Real Madrid as the only club prepared to meet the £8.5 million required to secure his signature on a three-year deal.
The 16-year-old's future has been the subject of considerable speculation since United received a request to terminate Gabriel's academy registration last month. Gabriel appeared set for a first-team debut before uncertainty emerged over his Old Trafford future, having consistently trained alongside Michael Carrick's squad and played during pre-season this summer.
PSG approach rejected
A request for United to cancel the striker's academy registration arrived after he was left out of the Champions League squad to face Sabah in September. The Red Devils declined the request and subsequently offered Gabriel scholarship terms, yet his future appears to lie elsewhere.
While United could block Gabriel from joining another English club, the teenager can sign for a European rival if he holds an EU passport. Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the clubs linked with the academy prospect, but Gabriel's representatives have declined a proposal from PSG.
Spanish publication Sport claim that PSG have made contact regarding a potential move for Gabriel, but while Gabriel values PSG's interest, a switch to France is not considered the optimal path for the United starlet's progression. It is understood that Gabriel has turned down PSG's offer and restated his ambition to play in Spain. The teenage prodigy has been working away from Carrington while he settles his future.
Real Madrid and Barcelona stance
Real Madrid are currently the only club prepared to meet the £8.5 million needed to acquire Gabriel's signature on a three-year deal. Barcelona are believed to have held discussions with his representative, Ali Barat, but the club's sporting director, Deco, had previously distanced the Catalan outfit 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."
After PSG's inability to secure Gabriel's services, a move to Bayern Munich has also been dismissed. Meanwhile, Barcelona were reluctant to engage in a costly transfer contest.
Background and achievements
Many England youth internationals would be prevented from moving overseas before turning 18, but Gabriel is said to have several pathways to secure an EU passport. His father Joe O'Cearuill is a former Republic of Ireland international and his mother is of Cypriot descent.
Gabriel was crowned the U18 Premier League player of the season following 23 goals in as many matches for United last season. He also scored a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League shortly before asking to leave the club.
