Real Madrid have reportedly reached a verbal agreement in principle with JJ Gabriel and plan to sign the 16-year-old from Manchester United as early as January.
Gabriel remains registered to Manchester United but has not trained with the club since September, instead working in Spain. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be remaining on standby because nothing has been signed, but the move is being pushed towards completion, with an expectation it will happen next year.
Only Madrid willing to pay £8.5m
Jose Mourinho's side are apparently the only club willing to pay the required £8.5million to facilitate a transfer for the teenager on a three-year contract. Bayern are said to have remained in contact but became an outside contender because of the financial package and Madrid.
Next steps
Further updates on this breaking news story are expected as the transfer develops.
