JJ Gabriel's likely destination revealed as Man United exit edges closer
Premier League clubs could struggle to compete with European rivals for Man United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, sources have told Football Insider.
The 15-year-old has made clear his desire to leave Old Trafford in the immediate future, as he seeks to have his registration cancelled to allow him to move on.
It remains to be seen how the Red Devils will respond to his request, but the elite clubs across England and European football have all been placed on high alert.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all keeping a close eye on Gabriel.
Gabriel is currently considered most likely to end up at a European giant, as he seeks to play more regular first-team football which was unlikely to be on offer at Man United.
Why are top clubs interested in signing JJ Gabriel?
Football Insider reported on 11 September that Man United could not afford to get things wrong with Gabriel and must handle his first-team introduction carefully.
Just days later, the midfielder requested to leave the club amid concerns about his lack of senior playing time, despite being just 15 years old.
Gabriel turns 16 in October and FA rules allow United to make a financial offer from November 1st for Gabriel to sign a pre-contract, but he now looks likely to land elsewhere.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Obviously JJ Gabriel is one of the most hotly-tipped young talents in world football right now.
"When you've got such a young talent like this, you're going to have all the best clubs across Europe interested in him, and that is the case at the moment.
"You said Real Madrid have been strongly linked, and Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all interested as well.
"Of course you'll have a host of Premier League clubs interested in JJ Gabriel as well. But it'll be difficult for those Premier League clubs to try and land Gabriel.
"A move to Europe is the most likely destination for Gabriel. But look, he is a top talent, and it'll be a huge loss to United if he does end up leaving."
How do Man United feel about losing Gabriel?
Gabriel has been very highly regarded at Man United for a while, and was heavily involved with Michael Carrick's first-team squad despite having not made his senior bow.
The youngster was named the Under-18 Premier League player of the season last season, despite only being 14 at the start of the campaign, and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting future stars both for United and for England.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Gabriel has stunned coaches with his performances and was being tipped for big things.
However, he warned they must handle his development carefully and not rush him into the starting XI for the sake of it, with those warnings now dashed by his demands.
Gabriel made his first senior appearance for the club against Atletico Madrid in pre-season, but is not content given his lack of competitive impact.