A new development has emerged over the future of Manchester United's wantaway star JJ Gabriel with the youngster closing in on a move to Real Madrid

JJ Gabriel has taken a step closer to clinching his Manchester United exit amid Real Madrid's interest in the teenage starlet. The 16-year-old stunned the Red Devils in September by requesting to leave the club he'd been at since 2022.

The decision to call time on his United career came just as he was set to become the Premier League club's youngest-ever player. He was expected to be included in the squad for their Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, but has yet to feature for any of United's teams since the shocking announcement.

The youngster is regarded as one of the world's most highly-rated talents and has the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain interested in his services. While United are able to block a move to a Premier League rival, Gabriel's EU passport, thanks to his Cypriot ancestry, allows him to join a European club.

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However, a move to PSG won't be happening after Gabriel rejected the French champions' latest offer, according to Sport. The Spanish outlet reports that the teenager - who is currently training in Castelldefels in Barcelona - sees his future in La Liga.

Gabriel has held meetings with the Bundesliga champions over a possible move, but with his heart reportedly set on moving to Spain, it's Madrid that could come out on top. Barcelona sporting director Deco previously denied the club's interest in Gabriel's transfer situation, leaving the door open for the 15-time European champions to clinch the youngster.

Madrid also have a leg up when it comes to the financial matters of signing Gabriel, who could reportedly cost a total package of £8.5million (€10m) should he depart United. Sport's report adds that Jose Mourinho's side are willing to pay that figure, which includes a three-year contract worth more than £850,000 (€1m) per season.

The package for Gabriel - who is represented by super-agent Ali Barat - also reportedly includes compensation for his family, a payment to United and agent commissions. It remains to be seen when a deal that solves Gabriel's future is completed.