Man City and Chelsea join Real Madrid in race for 15-year-old Manchester United prodigy | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel is becoming increasingly complicated, with Manchester City and Chelsea now also keeping close tabs on the teenager’s situation.

According to ESPN Brazil, the Premier League duo have joined Real Madrid and Barcelona in monitoring the 15-year-old, setting up a potential battle for one of the most highly regarded young talents in English football.

Gabriel became a major talking point recently after his representatives informed Manchester United that the youngster wants to leave the club “immediately”.

The development has put his long-term future at Old Trafford under serious discussion, although Manchester United have not abandoned hope of changing his mind.

JJ Gabriel can leave Manchester United next year

The current situation is complicated by Gabriel’s age, as the teenager will turn 16 on October 6, allowing him to sign a youth contract with another club.

Manchester City and Chelsea are also interested in JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

He cannot yet sign a professional contract, with that option only becoming available once he turns 17.

That has created a window for clubs across Europe to make their move, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona already aware of the situation.

For Real Madrid, the interest appears particularly advanced, as the Spanish giants have already considered how they would develop him if a transfer is completed.

As previously outlined, the plan would be for Gabriel to begin with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, rather than immediately being placed into the first-team picture.

Manchester City and Chelsea enter the race

Real Madrid are closely tracking the Manchester United prodigy. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s plans, however, could now face competition from closer to home.

Sources say Manchester City and Chelsea are following Gabriel’s situation closely, adding two major English clubs to a transfer picture that already includes both Spanish giants.

Manchester United, meanwhile, still want to retain their academy jewel. The club remains hopeful of persuading Gabriel to stay at Old Trafford despite the stance taken by his representatives.

For now, no move has been completed, but with Gabriel approaching his 16th birthday and several clubs tracking developments, his next contract could become one of the most closely watched youth transfers of the coming months.