Real Madrid move to sign 16-year-old Man United forward JJ Gabriel
What's next: Madrid aim to complete the deal in January, while United could seek compensation and weigh legal action.
Real Madrid are closing in on a deal for Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel after reaching a verbal agreement with the 16-year-old, multiple outlets reported. Gabriel asked to leave United in September and has not returned to the club since, with reports saying he has been training in Spain. Madrid hope to bring him in during January and are expected to rely on his eligibility for an EU passport to ease the move. No club-to-club talks have yet been reported. United would be due compensation if Gabriel departs, and reports say the club could consider legal action if it believes transfer rules were breached. Gabriel was the Premier League's Under-18 player of the season last term.