Manchester United consider legal action over JJ Gabriel situation amid Real Madrid interest

Manchester United consider legal action over JJ Gabriel situation amid Real Madrid interest Manchester United are considering their options over the future of teenage sensation JJ Gabriel as interest from Real Madrid and other European clubs continues to grow. According to SPORT , United are examining possible legal and regulatory measures to protect their position if the 15-year-old leaves the club. It is to be noted that Gabriel has informed Manchester United that he wants to depart, placing his future at the centre of an increasingly complicated situation.  Real Madrid, on their part, have been studying the possibility of signing him and have already been in contact with the English club to understand the circumstances surrounding his potential departure. JJ Gabriel’s age makes a transfer complicated The main difficulty for Manchester United is Gabriel’s contractual situation. Manchester United are exploring legal action over JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) The teenager does not currently have a professional contract with the club, which makes his position different from that of an established senior player.  However, his age introduces another complication, particularly because he is still under 16 and England has specific rules governing the movement of young players. Hence, any potential transfer would require several issues to be clarified before a move could take place. On that note, United are understood to be examining how the regulations could be used to protect their interests.  The club’s concern is that if Gabriel continues his development outside England, the financial compensation available to them could be significantly lower than his perceived value within the youth market. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern monitoring the situation Real Madrid have JJ Gabriel on their sights. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) The uncertainty surrounding Gabriel has attracted several major clubs. As reported before, Real Madrid are among the teams studying the possibility of bringing the youngster to Spain, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the teenager. For now, though, United’s priority is to determine what options are available before Gabriel turns 16 and the situation develops further. The English club is even considering whether legal or regulatory mechanisms could be used to prevent third parties from helping facilitate his departure. For now, Gabriel’s next destination remains unclear, but the combination of his age, contractual position and growing interest from Europe’s biggest clubs has turned his future into a particularly complex transfer situation.