Real Madrid push to sign JJ Gabriel, Man Utd forward (15)

Real Madrid are, according to BBC Sport, strongly pursuing JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old Manchester United academy forward. The Spanish club want to sign him straight away and place him in Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s recognised reserve team.

Turning point over registration

BBC Sport reports that earlier this week Gabriel sent United formal notice that he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect, though the club can challenge the request. Sources close to the player believe the youngster feels let down by United, arguing promises around a pathway to the first team have not been kept.

Carrick: be careful

After the EFL Cup tie with Brighton—United lost 3-2 after leading 2-0—United head coach Michael Carrick stressed the need for caution given Gabriel’s age. “We’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” he said, adding that from a club point of view the focus must be on welfare, wellbeing and managing a young player’s exposure.

BBC Sport also says Gabriel is not currently training with the club. It highlights that any early move from Old Trafford is complicated by rules around registering young players. United state Gabriel’s registration runs until the end of the season, when he will turn 16, potentially making a switch easier. Because he has an EU passport, joining a club inside the EU on his 16th birthday is also possible.

Beyond Real Madrid, BBC Sport notes interest across Europe, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, as well as Chelsea. United, meanwhile, say they have not given up hope of keeping him despite uncertainty about why the player wants to leave.