Just in: Real Madrid favourites to sign Manchester United prodigy also wanted by Barcelona

Just in: Real Madrid favourites to sign Manchester United prodigy also wanted by Barcelona In a major development, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid are currently the frontrunners to secure the signing of Manchester United teenage prodigy JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old Red Devils’ academy ace has already submitted a transfer request and appears all set to leave, sparking interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, as things stand, it is the Spanish capital giants who have pulled ahead in the race to sign the English attacking prodigy. A future star Gabriel is widely regarded as one of the biggest and brightest youth prospects coming through in the footballing scenes in England. The teenager, who can play as a left-winger or a central attacking midfielder, became the youngest recipient of Manchester United’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season. Real Madrid bound? (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Despite being only 15, he was involved in first-team training on a semi-regular basis and even featured during pre-season in a friendly against Atletico Madrid. In fact, Manchester United were planning to hand the teenage prodigy his senior debut in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, which would have made him the youngest ever player in the club’s history. However, his decision to leave the club has thrown a wrench in the Red Devils’ plans, with Gabriel submitting a request for de-registration so that he can leave for free. Spain his preferred destination As per Romano, Spain is seen as Gabriel’s preferred destination, even though he has interest from top teams in England as well as Germany. And, as things stand, Real Madrid are the frontrunners ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona. Real Madrid leading the race. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) The journalist claims that both Spanish giants have different paths laid out for the development of the 15-year-old sensation and the final decision will rest with him and his family. As previously reported, Real Madrid intend to thrust Gabriel directly into their reserve team, Castilla, despite his age, which might give them an edge over their competitors. Even though he is English, Gabriel also possesses an Irish passport, which means he can leave for any European club when he turns 16. It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid prevail in the race for one of Europe’s most gifted young footballers.