JJ Gabriel has set himself a huge target at Real Madrid

The 16-year-old has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid and is expected to complete his move from Manchester United in January.

Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or as he prepares to join Real Madrid. The 16-year-old gave an interview to Spanish newspaper Marca while training individually in Madrid, having not returned to United since requesting to leave in September. Gabriel is understood to have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid, who plan to have him develop with their reserve side Castilla before potentially progressing to the first team.

The move is expected to be completed in January. Gabriel's Irish passport is expected to facilitate the transfer under FIFA regulations allowing certain players aged 16 to 18 to move within the European Union, though he remains registered with United and cannot yet represent another club. United could receive training compensation reported to be around £350,000 if the transfer is completed. Gabriel scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut and was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season last term.