Manchester United wonderkid makes big call as Real Madrid, Barcelona lead the race | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester United’s teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, one of the most coveted young talents in world football.

The 15-year-old has made clear his intention to leave Old Trafford, having informed the club he will not sign a contract once he turns 16 on October 6.

His future has been a subject of major discussion, with a host of European clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, interested in his services.

Gabriel leaning towards Spain

According to SPORT, Gabriel, his family and agent Ali Barat have made a significant first decision, indicating a preference to move to Spanish football.

JJ Gabriel prefers a move to Spain. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The battle for his signature has reportedly narrowed to four clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG.

The player and his entourage have met all four candidates, with Gabriel and his family recently visiting both Barcelona and Madrid.

However, the youngster is said to view La Liga as the ideal platform to develop his considerable talents, which effectively hands Real Madrid and Barcelona the advantage.

That said, this is not a final decision, and a strong counter-offer from Bayern or PSG could yet alter the picture.

The reports suggest Gabriel has a slight favour for Barcelona, having worn their colours in social media clips, though he has also followed Real Madrid and some of their players online.

Real Madrid’s financial muscle

Despite Barcelona’s apparent edge in the player’s affections, Real Madrid remain firmly in the race and possess a key advantage of their own.

Can Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the race to sign JJ Gabriel? (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

If the negotiations come down to finances, Real Madrid are well placed to table an offer above anything Barcelona can muster.

That economic firepower could prove decisive, particularly given how the Rodri saga unfolded this summer, when Los Blancos missed out to their rivals.

Real Madrid are understood to be seeking clarity before pushing hard for the deal, wary of the various moving parts.

With Gabriel already regarded as a generational talent, boasting exceptional technique and a footballing intelligence well beyond his years, landing him would represent a major coup.

The resolution is not expected to drag on much longer, with Barat set to compile the final proposals before Gabriel’s family make their decision.