JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel wants to leave Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has reportedly set his sights on a transfer to Chelsea. The 15-year-old talent has officially requested to be de-registered by the Red Devils, effectively rendering him a free agent. His request caught Michael Carrick's team off guard, especially given he was expected to feature in the squad for United's 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton.
Gabriel recently visited Barcelona, where the Catalan giants presented their plans for the teenager. Real Madrid have also been linked with Gabriel, who would be eligible to compete in Spain despite his age because he holds an Irish EU passport. But should he remain in England, Chelsea are understood to be his preferred destination.
Just after United's 1-1 draw with Fulham, they were dealt another blow as TEAMtalk claim that among all English clubs who have approached him, the Blues' proposal proved most appealing. Gabriel has yet to commit to a scholarship arrangement with United.
Young players are prohibited from signing a scholarship agreement until they reach 16 years of age, which Gabriel will do on October 6. Should he relocate to Spain, United would receive a modest financial package.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
This stems from regulations that permit a 16-year-old with an EU passport to transfer to a team within the European Union. United would be entitled to a compensation fee, determined by a tariff calculated on the duration the player has spent at a club.
There have been precedents for this, with Arsenal securing Cesc Fabregas as a teenager and United bringing Gerard Pique to the club.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid a
JJ Gabriel in action for Manchester United. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Nevertheless, the fee would be considerably lower than what's required when joining an English side - a recent case being Rio Ngumoha's transfer from Chelsea to Liverpool, which commanded a minimum of £2.8million.
Carrick has urged restraint when questioned about the situation surrounding the youngster, emphasising he remains just a child. The United boss stated: "I think I'd just repeat what I said the other day, really.
"I think he's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important that we certainly don't put anything out here. I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything that, you got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything.
"The situation will work itself out, whatever way it's going to work itself out. Making sure he's okay is the important thing."
Gabriel was omitted from all England youth squads during the transfer speculation this week. He was left out of both the under-19s and under-17s selections for the forthcoming international fixtures.