Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, according to The Athletic.
Los Blancos are increasingly confident of beating rival European clubs in the race to sign him.
Gabriel has formally requested to leave United, seeking to terminate his registration and become a free agent.
The development has come as a shock to staff at Carrington, with Gabriel considered the jewel of the Red Devils’ youth system.
Madrid have moved quickly after learning of Gabriel’s intention to leave United.
The Spanish giants believe they are well positioned to win the race for the highly rated forward, despite strong competition from other European giants.
FIFA regulations prevent players under 16 years old from signing long-term professional terms, leaving United in a vulnerable position.
If Gabriel severs ties, European clubs can negotiate directly with his representatives without paying a substantial transfer fee.
Signing Gabriel would be another major coup in Madrid’s ongoing strategy to recruit elite young talent.
Scouts have closely monitored the 15-year-old’s progress, highlighting his explosive pace, technical flair and outstanding goalscoring record at youth level.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all interested, while United remain hopeful of resolving the situation and keeping hold of their academy star.
However, Gabriel appears to have his heart set on an exit after refusing to take part in training ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, where he could have made his first-team debut.
