Real Madrid close in on Man United's JJ Gabriel in £8.5m January move

Real Madrid have reportedly reached a verbal agreement in principle to sign Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish giants targeting a January move that would cost them £8.5 million.

Gabriel, 16, remains registered at United but has not trained with the club since September, instead working in Spain as his future is resolved. According to reports, Real Madrid are currently the only club willing to meet the £8.5 million fee required to facilitate the transfer, which would see the youngster sign a three-year contract at the Bernabéu.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be monitoring the situation closely, with all three remaining on standby given that no formal agreement has yet been put to paper. The move is being pushed towards completion, however, with an expectation that it will be finalised in the new year.

Sky Germany reports that Bayern Munich have maintained contact with Gabriel’s camp but have slipped to the status of outside contenders, largely due to Real Madrid’s financial package and the player’s apparent preference for the move to the Spanish capital.

The deal would represent a significant loss of a highly-rated academy prospect for United, who stand to receive only the £8.5 million compensation fee for a player considered one of the more promising teenagers in their development system.