Real Madrid are confident of signing Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the 16-year-old forward and his representatives.
The Spanish giants expect to complete the move in January, although formal negotiations between the two clubs have yet to begin.
Gabriel remains registered with Manchester United but has not returned to the club since leaving in September.
The teenager, who featured against Atletico Madrid during United’s pre-season tour, had been tipped to become the club’s youngest-ever debutant in a Carabao Cup match against Brighton before deciding to explore opportunities elsewhere.
The youngster has reportedly been training alone in Spain while considering his next move.
His situation has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid now appear to be leading the race for his signature.
Gabriel has already built a strong reputation at youth level, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut.
He was also named the Premier League’s Under-18 Player of the Season last term, despite being only 14 during the campaign.
A Manchester United source previously described him as Europe’s best 15-year-old, while former interim manager Darren Fletcher said his future held enormous possibilities.
The forward’s newly secured European Union passport is expected to make it easier for him to join a club outside England.
Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves, although the amount is expected to be lower if he joins a club outside the Premier League.
United head coach Michael Carrick has urged caution over the situation, stressing the importance of protecting the teenager’s welfare.
Speaking after the Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton, Carrick said the club needed to be conscious of the young player’s well-being, development and exposure as it considered the circumstances surrounding his future.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid came from behind to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 on Wednesday in Greece in their latest UCL game while Manchester United also recorded same scoreline against Roma on Tuesday.
