Bayern Munich were reportedly after him too! Are Real Madrid the last remaining club interested in the exceptional talent?
The signs that prodigy JJ Gabriel could move to Real Madrid are growing ever stronger.
The Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Real Madrid are the only remaining club interested in the 16-year-old attacker.
Gabriel has reportedly turned down Paris Saint-Germain, despite their strong efforts to sign the Englishman in recent weeks. He is said to believe a move to a less competitive league, such as France's, would not help his development.
Spain remains Gabriel's preferred destination, a stance he has apparently reiterated. He believes it offers the best conditions to make the most of his strengths and develop.
Several media reports say Barcelona withdrew from the race for the 16-year-old some time ago, leaving Real Madrid as the logical destination. Los Blancos are also said to be strongly interested in Gabriel.
Until recently, Bayern Munich were also considered a possible destination for the youngster. Bayern officials have reportedly already held talks with the teenager's representatives, and coach Vincent Kompany is said to be a particularly big admirer of the attacking midfielder.
Which club will JJ Gabriel join after leaving Manchester United?
Gabriel will leave Manchester United this summer. He has played for the Red Devils since he was 11 and scored 23 goals in 23 under-18 matches last season. He was voted the best player in the Under-18 Premier League for his efforts. He also made his professional debut in August, becoming the youngest United player in the club's history to play for the first team.
Brexit rules would normally force Gabriel to wait until he turns 18 before moving abroad. In England, he can currently sign only a scholarship contract and cannot sign a professional contract until he is 17. His parents' origins could, however, offer a loophole: according to Sky, Gabriel wants to apply for a Cypriot passport. That would make a move possible as early as January.
Gabriel recently made headlines after apparently asking Manchester United to cancel his registration with the club. The request caused "shock" at United and was "almost unprecedented", the Telegraph reported.
