Real Madrid close in on Manchester United’s 16-year-old gem.. and the compensation is shocking

Real Madrid are moving quietly in England, and the target is not an established star but a young talent chased by Europe’s elite, who could head to the Spanish capital for a fee many will find shocking.

Manchester United tried to shut the door at the last minute, but reports from Spain and England say the Spanish giants are now well placed in the race.

According to multiple reports, Real Madrid are closing in on 16-year-old Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish club said to be willing to meet the player’s demands.

Spanish outlet Bernabeu Digital says Real Madrid “seems prepared to offer what both the player and Manchester United are asking”. Gabriel is reportedly seeking around €1m a year on an initial three-year deal, plus a signing-on fee and guarantees of a pathway to the first team.

Manchester United have responded by making him an official scholarship contract offer, according to The Guardian, to stop him leaving for free in January under Premier League academy rules. Reports suggest he is unlikely to accept it.

The surprise is the compensation: if Gabriel moves abroad, United could receive as little as £350,000, around €400,000, according to The Guardian, a small sum for such a highly rated talent.

Four major clubs had been linked with him: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Earlier reports said he had recently trained with Barcelona, but the latest reports put Real Madrid in front.

There has been no official confirmation from Real Madrid, Manchester United or the player, with the final decision still to be made by the youngster and his family.