Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has been training individually with a private coach in Castelldefels, Barcelona, as the club face a deadline to resolve his future. The Red Devils have until he turns 16 on October 6 to find a resolution if they want to keep him at the club.
The academy player is looking to leave Old Trafford ahead of what could have been his first-team debut a few weeks ago. The club had planned to include Gabriel in their squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round.
Record-breaking debut plans
It would have made the 15-year-old United’s youngest-ever first-team player. But that did not happen after his stunning request to leave was made.
Concern grew over Gabriel after he deleted all pictures on his Instagram profile. The unusual behaviour came without any explanation, but his desire to leave may offer one.
European giants linked
It is claimed that super agent Ali Barat has helped to facilitate talks between Gabriel's family and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Barcelona have also been linked and now the Manchester Evening News reports that he has been training in the Catalan capital.
The young star and his family have been regular visitors to Barcelona. Gabriel has trained with local specialist coaches during his time there, but he also occasionally invites a private coach from home to join him, Jack Hunter.
Deadline approaches
It is understood that Gabriel has worked with Hunter over the last few days, being put through his paces at the British School Stadium in Castelldefels. The clock is ticking if United want to keep him.
Once the teenager turns 16 on October 6 he'll then be eligible to be legally represented by an agent. The forward would also be able to join a foreign club using his Irish passport and the Daily Mail claim super-agents Barat and Jorge Mendes are keen on snapping up the youngster.
United's position
United are still hopeful that they will be able to convince the youngster they are the right place for his development. However, the club's recent decline is said to be the main driving force behind the youngster looking for a move elsewhere.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are unwilling to bow to demands and rip up the youngster's current contract, which expires at the end of the season. It has been claimed that a switch to Spain has long been the dream destination for both the player and his family. Such an outcome would prove a significant blow to United, who would be entitled to only around £300,000 in compensation should he move abroad - a considerably lower figure than the fee they could command were he to join an English club instead.
