Real Madrid are confident of signing Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel after reaching a verbal agreement with the 16-year-old and his representatives.
Gabriel remains registered with United but has not returned to the club since walking out in September. The teenager has instead been training alone in Spain as he considers a move in search of senior football.
No club-to-club negotiations have taken place, but sources have told BBC Sport that Gabriel and Real Madrid have verbally agreed a deal. The Spanish club now expect to complete the transfer in January.
Gabriel’s situation has attracted interest from several leading European sides, including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. Real Madrid’s agreement puts them in a strong position to recruit a player who has been highly rated at Manchester United.
The forward featured against Atletico Madrid during United’s pre-season tour and had been expected to become the club’s youngest debutant in September’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton.
He made a notable start to his UEFA Youth League career by scoring a hat-trick on his debut. Gabriel was also named the Premier League’s Under-18 player of the season last term, despite being only 14 during the campaign.
A European Union passport obtained by Gabriel is expected to make it easier for him to join a club outside England.
Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves. However, the amount due would be lower if Gabriel were to join a club outside the Premier League.
Gabriel’s potential departure follows widespread praise for his ability within United. One source at the club described him as “the best 15-year-old in Europe” this year, while former interim manager Darren Fletcher said: “The world is his oyster.”
United head coach Michael Carrick called for caution when discussing the situation after the EFL Cup defeat by Brighton.
“We’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” Carrick said.
“He’s a young boy… from a club point of view, looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation.”