Manchester United make final contract offer to teenage gem amid Barcelona, Real Madrid interest

Manchester United make final contract offer to teenage gem amid Barcelona, Real Madrid interest According to The Guardian , Manchester United have made a move to try to keep JJ Gabriel, one of the brightest prospects in their academy, amid interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Red Devils have submitted a formal scholarship contract offer to the youngster, who has just turned 16, in an attempt to protect their interests and prevent a potential departure. The proposal has two objectives. Manchester United want to persuade Gabriel to continue his development at Old Trafford while also strengthening their legal and financial position if he decides to join another club. The teenager has expressed a clear desire to leave and has been absent from training for more than three weeks. Real Madrid lead the race for Gabriel According to The Guardian, Manchester United could receive compensation of just £350,000, that is around €400,000, if Gabriel moves to a club abroad. Man United trying hard to convince Gabriel to stay. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) That figure is considerably lower than the more than £3 million they could receive if he joined another English side. As already reported , Real Madrid are currently considered the favourites to sign him. The report states that the Merengues have gained an advantage over their rivals, with Gabriel viewing a move to the Spanish capital favourably. Barcelona are also monitoring his development, alongside Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. A delicate situation at Old Trafford Gabriel’s future has become a sensitive issue for Manchester United. The youngster requested the cancellation of his registration with the football authorities in September and has since remained outside the club’s usual training routine. The Red Devils regard him as one of the academy’s most valuable prospects and are determined to do everything possible to secure his future before accepting the possibility of losing him. Where will JJ Gabriel play next? (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Another important factor is Gabriel’s European citizenship, which could make a move to a club within the European Union easier despite his age, provided the relevant FIFA requirements are met. Meanwhile, Manchester United are examining their legal options over possible irregularities in other clubs’ approaches to the player. The scholarship contract offer represents a fresh development, and perhaps one final attempt from Manchester United, to salvage a situation that could end with the departure of one of English football’s most promising young talents. As things stand, Gabriel looks bound for the exit doors, with Real Madrid seemingly ahead of Barcelona in the race.