REAL MADRID officials are wary of JJ Gabriel’s father’s demanding reputation as the teenager closes in on a move from Manchester United.

Some figures at Madrid were also taken aback that the 16-year-old Gabriel revealed his “dream” is to win the Ballon d’Or.

Joe O’Cearuill’s forthright approach heavily contributed to his son’s impending exit from United and occasionally boiled over into online spats over Gabriel’s development.

Various sources say that former professional O’Cearuill, 39, changed his son’s surname to make him more marketable. United agreed to hand Gabriel the brand-conscious 77 squad number and include him in their Premier League squad numbers list.

Gabriel told Marca last week: “My dream is to win a Ballon d’Or.”

This year’s Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane admitted he would swap the award for a maiden Champions League win.

Madrid have won the European Cup 15 times – more than twice as many as any other club – and manager Jose Mourinho is a two-time winner.

Kane thanked former manager Mourinho in his acceptance speech and the former United boss places a firm emphasis on the collective over the individual.

Real Madrid have produced more Ballon d’Or recipients and hold the joint-record for most club wins.

Gabriel practically confirmed his imminent switch to Madrid in a chat with Marca, accompanied by O’Cearuill.

United sources maintain they have not had any dialogue with Madrid or Gabriel’s family amid the acrimonious exit.

Figures at United were not surprised by the Marca stunt, having dealt with O’Cearuill over a number of matters.

Gabriel is in Madrid with his family and entourage ahead of finalising his high-profile move.

United are expected to pocket only £350,000 when Gabriel leaves as he is moving to an overseas club.

Sun Sport revealed United are prepared to take legal action against agent Ali Barat, who obtained a licence to represent minors on the day it emerged that Gabriel had asked to be deregistered by United.

Gabriel and his family decided on a move after he was not included in United’s Champions League squad ‘A list’ at the age of 15. Teenagers Shea Lacey and Harry Amass came on in United’s opening match against Sabah on September 7 for their Champions League debuts.

United officials attempted to placate O’Cearuill by promising that Gabriel would be named on the bench against Brighton in the League Cup six days later, but the teenager informed United of his intention to leave the day before the tie.

Michael Carrick claimed it was not “concrete” that Gabriel would be in the 20-man matchday squad.

United offered Gabriel a new contract and his family a hospitality box in their planned new stadium in an effort to keep him.