JJ Gabriel's Man United future takes new twist after he rejects offer
JJ Gabriel will have to wait until the January transfer window opens before he leaves Manchester United, sources have told Football Insider.
The 16-year-old is pushing for a move away from Old Trafford, and his exit is now seen as "inevitable", but he will have to remain a Man United player for a little while longer.
A number of Europe's biggest clubs have been in contact with the teenager and his representatives after it became clear he would be moving on, but no decision is expected imminently.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain plan to reach an agreement before January.
Despite having hoped to see his registration terminated which would see him leave for free immediately, the attacking midfielder will instead have to wait until the window opens.
Man United, however, will not recieve a transfer fee for his services given his age, with a low compensation payment expected instead as Gabriel edges closer to an exit.
Where is JJ Gabriel's most likely destination?
Football Insider revealed on 23 October that Real Madrid and PSG are now going head-to-head in their attempts to land Gabriel when he eventually leaves Man United.
Despite having held talks with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich in recent weeks, his suitors have now been narrowed down, with a final decision expected in due course.
However, the move will not be officially allowed to go through until January, when he will remain a Man United player as he waits to complete his exit.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It does look inevitable that he will end up leaving Man United. He is of the mind that he wants to move away from Old Trafford.
"He doesn't feel valued there and he was ready to move on. Obviously, you've got big European clubs ready to offer him that move away.
"Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both see his undoubted talent and potential and they are ready to move for JJ Gabriel.
"I expect that to happen in January because that's when he will be able to move on as part of that situation of his contract where he has turned down a scholarship deal at United."
Will Man United receive a fee for Gabriel?
Since it became clear that Gabriel would be leaving Man United, questions have been asked about how much money his club will be due when he eventually moves on.
Given how highly-regarded the teenage sensation is, his decision to leave has come as a huge blow on the pitch, but it has also sparked concerns about the money involved.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider last month that Man United's windfall from Gabriel's exit will be worth a maximum of around £200,000.
That fee will differ depending on his eventual club, with reports suggesting it could instead be worth around £350,000, but both fees will fall well short of what United would be happy with.
Given his undoubted potential and the expectation that he will go on to become a top player, his departure for a compensation fee will always feel like a blow to Man United.