Real Madrid close on agreement to sign Manchester United 16-year-old JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid have offered the 16-year-old forward a multi-year contract and hope to complete the move in January via an EU passport loophole.

Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel, who is 16. Madrid have offered Gabriel a multi-year contract and, subject to final discussions, aim to bring him to the club in January.

Gabriel is eligible for an EU passport through his parents, which allows Madrid to sign him under a FIFA loophole permitting EU clubs to offer professional contracts to young players. Gabriel walked out on United in September and is believed to be training in Spain. A compensation fee would be due to United if the move goes ahead.

United have yet to be contacted by Gabriel's camp or Madrid and are on alert regarding any potential breach of regulations, with the club prepared to consider legal action if they believe rules have been broken. Gabriel, who made his United debut in a pre-season friendly at 15, was the Premier League's Under-18 player of the season and won United's academy player of the year award last season.