Premier League duo look to sign JJ Gabriel

Manchester United are facing a growing battle to retain JJ Gabriel, with Europe’s elite looking to take on the Red Devils wantaway.

The 15-year-old stunned United on Tuesday by asking the club to cancel his registration, despite being on the verge of a potential first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

Gabriel was expected to be involved at Old Trafford on Wednesday night and would have become the youngest player ever to represent United had he featured.

However, he decided not to train and will no longer be included in Michael Carrick’s squad.

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has now reported that two Premier League clubs are interested in Gabriel, while teams from LaLiga and Germany are also exploring a move.

Jacobs added that the player’s camp are adamant they want to leave United in search of a new challenge, suggesting the club face a difficult task to convince him to remain at Carrington.

Alex Crook previously revealed that Chelsea were monitoring Gabriel’s situation, although Jacobs did not identify either of the two English clubs pursuing the youngster.

Barcelona are also firmly in the race, having tracked Gabriel for more than a year.

The Spanish giants could benefit from his Irish passport, which would allow him to move within the European Union and play professionally after turning 16 in October.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City have all previously been credited with an interest in Gabriel, underlining the scale of the battle United could face if his registration is cancelled.

The teenager has developed into one of the most exciting talents in United’s academy, scoring 26 goals and registering four assists in 29 appearances last season.

He was named the Premier League Under-18s Player of the Season and became the youngest winner of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

Gabriel then enhanced his reputation further by scoring a hat-trick against Sabah on his UEFA Youth League debut last week.

United believed they had demonstrated a clear route into senior football, with Gabriel training regularly alongside the first team and featuring during pre-season.

However, his representatives now appear determined to secure an exit. United can challenge the request under Premier League rules, but keeping Gabriel may ultimately depend upon repairing a relationship that has deteriorated at the worst possible time.