Real Madrid closing in on Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel after rift with hierarchy

The 16-year-old has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid after a falling-out with United over his development; no club-to-club deal yet but a January move is expected.

Real Madrid are closing in on Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel, 16, after the young forward told United he wanted to leave in September. Gabriel and his representatives have been in contact with several top European clubs including Bayern Munich and Barcelona, but multiple reports on Wednesday indicated he has chosen Madrid and agreed personal terms.

Gabriel has not trained at United's Carrington base since the rift emerged, stemming from disagreement over the club's cautious approach to his development. His family were unhappy with his lack of involvement in first-team duties and exclusion from Champions League games this season, despite his status as one of United's brightest prospects. He won the club's Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season after scoring over 20 goals for the Under-18s.

Although formal club-to-club negotiations have not yet taken place, Gabriel is set to move to Madrid in January. United would be due compensation as a homegrown academy player. Gabriel, whose real name is Joseph O'Cearuill, primarily plays as a left winger or number 10.