Barcelona step up efforts to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign Man United prodigy | OneFootball

After handing in a transfer request at Manchester United, JJ Gabriel has become the hottest prospect in the transfer market right now.

The young 15-year-old forward has been courted by almost every major club across Europe, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Recent reports have indicated that JJ Gabriel could prefer a move to Spain, which could pit Barcelona and Real Madrid in a tug of war.

Barcelona stepping up efforts

According to SPORT, Deco has intensified his contacts with Gabriel’s representatives in recent days, in a bid to get ahead in the race.

Deco is keen on signing JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The teenager and his family were in Barcelona last week, while the sporting director is understood to have met with agent Ali Barat on Saturday.

Barcelona are determined to land Gabriel, offering him a clear sporting project that could see him break into the first team relatively quickly.

The Catalans believe their playing style is perfectly suited to a player renowned for his exquisite ball control and command of situations near the opposition box.

That progression would, of course, be accompanied by a lucrative contract for a youngster who turns 16 on October 6.

Real Madrid’s financial edge

Despite Barcelona’s push, they face a significant obstacle in the form of Real Madrid’s superior financial offer.

Can Barcelona triumph in the race to sign JJ Gabriel? (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Reports from both Spain and England insist that Real Madrid’s proposal is considerably higher than Barcelona’s.

The sense is that the club, still stung by losing Rodri to Barcelona this summer, are desperate not to see another of Europe’s brightest talents snub them in favour of their fiercest rivals.

However, Barcelona have a couple of key factors working in their favour. Gabriel is said to hold a particular fondness for the club, having worn their colours in numerous videos over the years, while his agent Ali Barat has strengthened his relationship with Deco.

SPORT reports that Barat is set to become Raphinha’s new advisor, a development that could further tilt the balance towards Camp Nou.

While Barat currently maintains good relations with both clubs and is simply gathering offers to present to Gabriel’s family, Barcelona are hopeful the player’s desire and their affection for him can offset Real Madrid’s financial muscle.

The final decision is expected within days as Gabriel looks to take the next step in his career.