Man Utd news: JJ Gabriel gets reality check as wanted star puts contract talks on hold

· Mirror

Manchester United have had distractions during the extended international break but are now ready to return to Premier League action

After a three-week break, Manchester United are closing in on a return to Premier League action. Their international stars will return as Michael Carrick prepares to welcome Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham to Old Trafford.

There has been plenty in the way of distractions, and not just in terms of United stars' appearances for their respective national teams. Much of the off-field chat has concerned JJ Gabriel, whose future has yet to be resolved.

October is a busy month on the pitch for Carrick's team. After Spurs' weekend visit there are five more matches in all competitions, including Champions League trips to Atletico Madrid and Como.

We've got some more on Gabriel for you today, as well as an update on another potential target. Here are out latest lines.

Gabriel handed warning

Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has warned JJ Gabriel he doesn't believe the youngster is ready for Premier League football. It comes amid suggestions a lack of first team action is behind the teenager's desire to leave the club.

> "From the outside, physically I don't think he's ready to be thrown in at the level yet," Bardsley told talkSPORT. "I think from years gone by, you look at players who have physically developed. You have [Wayne] Rooney, for instance, who was ready to go and play at that age.

> "Look at the boy at the minute, his abilities are obviously there, he's an outstanding talent and hopefully goes on to be a great player. But I think the timing's a bit off, the way things are at the club and the way it came out.

> "But I believe it's been orchestrated by agents, parents, and pushing for these things when you're at such a delicate age and you're in a transition into men's football. I think you need to be patient."

Kofane contract talks stall

Manchester United and Arsenal have been handed a boost with the news that Christian Kofane has reportedly put contract talks on hold. The Bayer Leverkusen star was linked with a Premier League move over the summer and now the two big-hitters have made contact with his representatives.

According to SportBild, this interest has been there for a while. Kofane's current Leverkusen deal runs until 2029 and has not agreed to improved terms which could keep him at the BayArena until 2031.

The Cameroonian is still said to be open to an extension, though the terms don't appear to align with what he wants. The Bundesliga club look to be ready to offer him a significant bump on the salary agreed when joining during Erik ten Hag's brief tenure but some things still need to be ironed out and United or their league rivals could yet take advantage.

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