JJ Gabriel: Front-runners named in race to sign Man United sensation

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are in a two-way race to sign Manchester United's JJ Gabriel, sources have told Football Insider.

The 16-year-old's disasisfaction with his treatment at Old Trafford has been made clear in recent weeks, as he targets a move to a European giant in search of opportunities.

Having not yet played a minute of senior competitive football at Old Trafford, the attacking midfielder is seeking to have his registration cancelled so he can move for free.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Real Madrid and PSG are both pushing to sign Gabriel and are in talks with his representatives.

Barcelona had also been among the contenders for the teenager's signature, but are believed to have fallen behind in the race, with their rivals now leading the way.

Gabriel is weighing up which club would be best for his long-term development, while big offers are being made in an attempt to lure him in after his Man United exit.

Which club is leading the race for JJ Gabriel?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider last month that Gabriel is "most likely" to pursue a move to Spain, where Real Madrid are now emerging as the front-runners.,

PSG also hold a strong chance of luring the teenager in, and are working on a deal behind the scenes, but Los Blancos are pushing hard to convince him of the move.

Man United remain disappointed in the situation, and reports have suggested the teenager's demands are seen as unfair, but a move is now considered inevitable.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "My understanding is that the two front runners in the race for JJ Gabriel are Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

"They are the two clubs who have been working on a possible deal to sign the exciting teenager as it does look inevitable that he will leave Man United.

"He wants to move away from Old Trafford, he doesn't feel valued there and he is ready to move on, and the big European clubs are willing to offer him that chance to move away.

"Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both see his undoubted talent and potential and are ready to move for JJ Gabriel."

Could Gabriel decide to stay at Man United?

With Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both pushing to sign Gabriel in the immediate future, it feels inevitable that he will leave Man United, with no way back in sight.

However, Wyness told Football Insider on 16 October that there is still a "30 per cent" chance Man United could keep hold of the teenager who remains highly rated there.

Real Madrid are said to be edging closer to an agreement, but Man United have been reluctant to lose the midfielder if they can help it, as they will not benefit from his exit.

Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils only stand to earn around £300,000 in compensation if the youngster departs, rather than any proper transfer fee.

Gabriel has been viewed as one of the club's leading academy prospects, but his lack of early senior opportunities has frustrated him, and a move is now extremely likely.