Real Madrid given a clear run at Man United prodigy as Barcelona rule out move | OneFootball

In what could be a major boost for Real Madrid, arch-rivals FC Barcelona have moved to put an end to speculation surrounding JJ Gabriel.

The promising Manchester United youngster having been linked in recent days with several major European clubs, with Barça and Real Madrid understood to have been leading the chase as the 15-year-old was said to prefer a move to Spain.

In fact, recent reports suggested that the Blaugrana were stepping up their efforts to sign the teenage attacking midfielder who has already made up his mind to leave the Red Devils.

Barcelona dismiss transfer rumours

However, the Catalan club’s sporting director, Deco, has moved to deny any interest in signing him and appears to have closed the door on the possibility.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the Barça executive firmly stated that the club has no interest in the Manchester United prospect and is not considering becoming involved in his contractual situation.

Deco has ruled out a move for JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

“There’s nothing to say about this boy. It’s normal we always have players linked with us. There’s a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young,” he said (h/t Barça Universal).

“We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am not sure what’s happening, and if he’s still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that,” Deco added.

“First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. And to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business.”

Real Madrid among the clubs monitoring Gabriel

The denial comes at a time of growing attention around the youngster’s future. Gabriel is currently training separately from the Manchester United squad after scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah earlier this month.

Will Real Madrid sign Gabriel? (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

With Barcelona distancing themselves from the deal, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs now monitoring the young player’s situation.

As per reports, Los Blancos have already gotten in touch with Manchester United to keep them informed about their interest as they intend to proceed carefully in the 15-year-old’s signing.

Now that Barcelona have seemingly dropped out of the chase, Real Madrid could have a free run at one of England’s most talented young prospects.