Bayern Munich leave 16-year-old JJ Gabriel in transfer limbo as United refuse to release him

Bayern Munich have held talks over signing Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel but are yet to table a formal offer, according to Sky Sport Germany, leaving the 16-year-old’s future unresolved as the January transfer window approaches.

Die Roten are reportedly seeking a commitment from Gabriel before progressing, which may prove complicated. The youngster, who turned 16 this month, is said to favour a move to Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also credited with interest. United have already rejected Gabriel’s request to be deregistered from the club — a step that would allow him to complete a transfer elsewhere — and the club is understood to be eager to retain the starlet despite a reported breakdown in relations.

That breakdown is said to stem from Gabriel’s camp demanding a greater guarantee of first-team minutes, a request that went unanswered by the club. Much of what happens next may hinge on Gabriel’s passport situation. He is pursuing a Cypriot passport and is also believed to have a route to Irish credentials, either of which would grant him an EU work permit and smooth any potential move to a European club.

The transfer uncertainty arrives at an already turbulent moment for United. Michael Carrick’s side sit in the midst of their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 40 years, a run that worsened on Saturday when ten-man Tottenham snatched a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford through Dominic Solanke’s late equaliser.

The result drew criticism from club legend Gary Neville, who called for Carrick to rethink his midfield setup. Neville argued that United have seen enough of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans as a central pivot, suggesting the pairing has not provided the platform the team needs.

Carrick’s squad now travel to Spain for a Champions League fixture against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, with the manager under pressure to arrest a slide that has left the club searching for answers both on the pitch and in the transfer market.