Just in: Real Madrid target in Barcelona over potential move as Man United exit nears | OneFootball

In a major development, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has arrived in Barcelona to hold talks with the club as he nears an exit.

The 15-year-old prodigy has handed in a de-registration request to the Red Devils and hopes to leave the club for free imminently.

Barcelona back in the chase

For a while, Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, were seen as the favourites to sign the English talent, but he has now arrived in the Catalan capital to discuss a potential move.

The Blaugrana have held a long-standing interest in signing Gabriel and have been pitching their project to the teenage attacker and his camp for some time now.

JJ Gabriel has arrived in Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

However, over the past few days, media speculation suggested that the youngster was leaning towards a move to Real Madrid, who were offering him a role in the Castilla setup as a faster pathway to the first-team squad.

But, as it turns out, Barça seem to have forced their way back into the picture, with the youngster now landing in Barcelona to hold talks over a possible transfer.

Another win over Real Madrid?

It must be remembered that Barcelona and Real Madrid had battled it out for the signing of Rodri during the summer, with the Blaugrana coming out on top and landing the Spain captain.

And, the club’s sporting department, led by director Deco, will be hoping to pull off another such victory over their arch-rivals.

Who will Gabriel choose? (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Gabriel is widely regarded as one of the best young prospects coming through in England. He was a part of the first-team pre-season with Manchester United in the summer and even made a brief appearance against Atletico Madrid.

The 15-year-old starlet, who can play as a left-winger or an attacking midfielder, most recently scored a brilliant hat-trick for the Red Devils’ youth team against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League.

Given the obvious talent and potential he possesses, signing him would be a coup for Barcelona. And doing so by beating Real Madrid, for the second time in the space of few months, would make it so much sweeter.