Just in: Euro giants now ‘confident’ about signing Man Utd forward

Real Madrid are growing increasingly optimistic about their chances of snatching JJ Gabriel from Manchester United.

The 16-year-old has been dominating the headlines over the past few weeks, as his desire to leave Carrington recently became public.

Gabriel has been dissatisfied with his limited role in Michael Carrick’s first team, growing increasingly impatient with his lack of playing time.

His omission from the Champions League squad in favour of the injured Manuel Ugarte was seemingly the last straw in his strained relationship with the club.

Real Madrid believe they have JJ Gabriel wrapped up

In recent weeks, Gabriel has been linked with several European giants, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid have been considered the favourites to prevail in the race for the young forward’s favour.

According to Spanish journalist Jose Felix Diaz, Los Merengues are now confident they will close the deal with Gabriel.

Diaz, who is the editor-in-chief of Madrid-based newspaper Diario AS, revealed on Sunday that the Spanish giants are awaiting the ‘final decision’.

However, the timing and method remain shrouded in mystery, as Gabriel remains tied to Man Utd with a contract valid until the end of the season.

Will Gabriel leave Man Utd in the middle of the season?

While the teenager remains under contract, a loophole in the regulations would allow him to rescind his contract and join a foreign club if he has a European passport. This stipulation can be triggered once the player turns 16. Gabriel incidentally celebrated his birthday earlier this week.

The youngster hails from an Irish father and Greek-Cypriot mother. But since he remains on Man Utd’s books, it seems he has yet to obtain a European citizenship.

Therefore, we can expect his entourage to try and sort out this matter as soon as they can. If they fail, Gabriel could remain a self-exile until June; a situation with no winner.