Real Madrid reportedly close to signing Manchester United teen JJ Gabriel
Manchester United are reportedly preparing legal action as 16-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel is said to be close to joining Real Madrid in January, the Manchester Evening News reported, noting that the clubs have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on the transfer. Earlier, The Mirror said the teenager had spoken to Spanish newspaper Marca about the planned move, while United considered legal steps. Sky Sports reported that Real Madrid had reached a verbal agreement to sign Gabriel after the teen requested a move away from United.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, cited by TEAMtalk, said Gabriel is likely to join Real Madrid in January after rejecting United’s offers, with Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs losing interest. The Manchester Evening News also quoted former player Paul Merson urging a review of transfer rules that allow young English academy players to move abroad.
