JJ Gabriel flies in for transfer talks with Barcelona after Man Utd quit bombshell

· Mirror

Manchester United academy star JJ Gabriel has been in the spotlight ever since his shock request to leave Old Trafford this week

Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has reportedly arrived in Barcelona for talks. It comes just days after he stunned Old Trafford chiefs with his request to have his registration with the club cancelled, something United have rejected.

The academy star could have been in line for his first-team debut at United on Wednesday night. The Red Devils had planned to include Gabriel in their squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round. It would have made the 15-year-old United’s youngest-ever first-team player.

But that did not happen after his stunning request was made earlier this week. Concern grew over Gabriel after he deleted all pictures on his Instagram profile last week. The unusual behaviour came without any explanation, but his desire to leave may offer one.

Now, The Daily Mail report that Barcelona are set for talks over a potential deal. Fellow European giants Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also interested.

Gabriel's camp submitted a formal request for United to deregister him this week, but it was denied. The club are still trying to convince him to stay at M16.

However, that looks increasingly unlikely now that Gabriel and his entourage are in Spain. The player could hold talks with Real as well as Barca over a transfer next month.

Although United have Gabriel under contract until the end of this season, there is a precedent for him to move abroad after he turns 16 on October 6 if he holds an EU passport, exploiting a FIFA loophole to sign for the La Liga giants.

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