Real Madrid Nearing Deal for Manchester United's JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid have intensified negotiations to sign 16-year-old JJ Gabriel, who is currently in Madrid after previously training in Barcelona.

Real Madrid are nearing a deal to sign 16-year-old JJ Gabriel from Manchester United, according to sources told by ESPN. The Spanish club intensified negotiations following the player’s 16th birthday on Oct. 6 and now expects the forward to join their second team, Castilla. Gabriel would also be eligible to compete in the UEFA Youth League under the proposed move.

The player is currently in Madrid after spending several weeks training with a personal instructor in Barcelona. Although Manchester United previously stated they would not facilitate his departure after Gabriel and his representatives requested a move in September, the Premier League club is now considering legal action. Sources indicate United believe Gabriel's representatives held at least one unauthorized meeting with an unnamed club last summer while he was still under contract at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid reportedly beat out competition from several European giants, including Barcelona, to secure the teenager's signature. Madrid officials believed they held a favorable position throughout the pursuit, with optimism regarding the transfer growing in recent hours as the player moved to the Spanish capital to resolve his future.