Real Madrid have reportedly tabled a substantial offer for Manchester United's JJ Gabriel, with the 16-year-old's proposed deal worth around £8.4m, including a three-year contract and performance bonuses. The Spanish giants are understood to be prepared to meet the terms put forward by Gabriel's agent, Ali Barat.
The Manchester United academy product was offered a scholarship contract by the Premier League club, despite his representatives pushing for his registration to be cancelled. Gabriel has been training alone near Barcelona while working to resolve his future.
Top European clubs circling
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all kept a close eye on developments. According to Sport, United have accepted that Gabriel's departure is inevitable, with the young forward's decision on his next destination expected imminently.
Real Madrid's readiness to satisfy Gabriel's demands could prove a decisive advantage for Los Blancos, as Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to enter into a bidding war. Bayern Munich, despite their reported interest, have failed to displace the two La Liga heavyweights in the thinking of Gabriel's camp.
Nevertheless, Barcelona sporting director Deco has publicly dismissed suggestions of the club's interest in the teenage prospect.
Compensation implications
With a transfer to Europe looming, United face missing out. Should Gabriel join a Premier League rival, the club would expect to receive upwards of £3m alongside a 20 per cent sell-on clause. A departure to the continent leaves United with reduced safeguards, as official FIFA compensation calculations for a Category I academy would see United due roughly £350,000 for Gabriel's services.
Players from England are typically prevented from joining a European club before turning 18 following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. Gabriel, however, appears to be eligible for a European passport. His father, Joe O'Cearuill, represented the Republic of Ireland national team on two occasions, qualifying through his Irish mother, and also has a Trinidadian father. Gabriel's mother is of Cypriot descent, offering the teenager two pathways to an EU passport.
Should he already possess the required documentation, the teenager will be able to capitalise on the elite clubs pursuing his signature.
