Gabriel trains in Barcelona as 16th birthday triggers race between Barca and Real Madrid

Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel has been training privately in Castelldefels, Barcelona, as his departure from the club draws nearer, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid working to secure his signature ahead of his 16th birthday on Tuesday.

Gabriel submitted a transfer request more than a fortnight ago and has not returned to United’s Carrington training base since. Instead, he has been keeping sharp by working with private coach Jack Hunter at the British School Stadium in Castelldefels — a location familiar to Gabriel and his family, who are regular visitors to the Catalan city.

Barcelona remain the frontrunners for Gabriel’s signature, though the club must first navigate regulatory hurdles before a deal can be completed. Real Madrid have also invested significant effort in positioning themselves to sign the forward, but Gabriel’s family have long harboured a dream of seeing him play for Barcelona, which is understood to be a key factor in the ongoing negotiations. His 16th birthday on Tuesday marks the point at which the transfer process can formally advance.

Moorhouse suffers ACL blow on loan

The notebook brings considerably darker news for Jack Moorhouse. The midfielder has returned to Manchester after suffering an ACL injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly arranged by Scottish Premiership side Dundee last week. A scan has confirmed the extent of the damage, and Moorhouse is now expected to miss the remainder of the season — a devastating setback for a player who had been primed to establish himself at Dundee this term.

Thwaites earns first England cap

On a brighter note, Jim Thwaites marked a personal milestone by earning his first cap for England Under-20s. Thwaites came off the bench as England beat France 2-1 on Tuesday, joining fellow United representatives Ayden Heaven, Shea Lacey, and Jack Fletcher in the squad. Heaven and Lacey started the match, while Fletcher also featured as a substitute.

Thwaites had not been considered for a loan move last summer, with United opting to keep him in their development setup — a decision that appears to have paid off as he now adds international recognition to his progress.