JJ Gabriel is reportedly close to sealing a move to Real Madrid but Man Utd remain in the dark over the 16-year-old's next move.

Manchester United have had no contact from Real Madrid or JJ Gabiel's family despite reports that the teenager is closing in on a move to the Bernabeu.

Gabriel is set to seal a switch to Real Madrid after walking away from United in September, but Old Trafford officials remain in the dark over the 16-year-old's plans.

The club still hold his registration, but he hasn't returned to Old Trafford or Carrington since walking out on the club after scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League win against Sabah on September 10.

United have tried to establish contact with Gabriel's family since then out of concern for his well-being, but have been rebuffed and have had no further contact since he opted to quit the club.

Gabriel featured for the first team in pre-season and was set to become United's youngest-ever first-team player against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, but he was pulled out of the club three weeks before he turned 16, with his family unhappy at the wait for an opportunity.

They had demanded that Gabriel feature against Sabah in the Champions League as well as Brighton in the Carabao Cup, while also making a Premier League debut.

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Gabriel has secured a European Union passport, which makes it easier for him to sign for a club outside of England once he turned 16 last month, and Real Madrid look to have beaten competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, among others, to secure his signature.

FIFA will need to approve Gabriel's move to Real, but that is likely to be a formality and while United will receive compensation, it is expected to be around £100,000 to £300,000, a fee considerably lower than his transfer value.

But United will consider legal action against any European club that sign Gabriel while he is still registered to them.