According to blogger CFBayern-Insider, Bayern Munich remain in contact with Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, who is looking to leave, and plan to sign him in the winter transfer window.
The 16-year-old has told the club he wants to leave Old Trafford. Although Manchester United have not yet officially confirmed his departure, he is widely expected to leave within the next year.
La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly both interested in signing him, but Bayern have also entered the race for the talented teenager. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has publicly expressed his admiration for the youngster, and the club have always been committed to developing players for the future.
Bild reporter Falk previously detailed the ins and outs of the JJ Gabriel situation, and he has now told CFBayern Insider exclusively that Bayern are still in contact with the player's camp regarding a potential transfer.
Bayern are currently dealing with injury problems: Ismael Saibari has undergone surgery for a ligament tear, and Gnabry is out for the season. With Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz also carrying injury concerns, Bayern may have to act in the January transfer window to bring in reinforcements.
In any case, Bayern need to sign a new left winger in the summer window. If they choose to act now, they should go straight for JJ Gabriel rather than wait until the summer to compete with Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Falk said the move would also benefit Gabriel: he could adapt to his new environment over the remainder of this season and, because of injuries to other players, would also get real playing time.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the player, but Bayern are one of the three major clubs most actively pursuing the talented teenager.
Is JJ Gabriel's Manchester United career coming to an end?
The youngster had previously asked to leave, despite Manchester United's attempts over the past few weeks to resolve their differences with him and his family.
Gabriel joined the Red Devils' academy at the age of 11 and has proven himself one of the most exciting young attackers in world football today. He scored 29 goals in 32 appearances for Manchester United's U18 side and was then called up to the first team for pre-season preparations, but he has yet to make his senior debut.
Gabriel's representatives had asked the club for assurances regarding consistent playing time, but Manchester United were unable to provide a guarantee, leading to significant disagreements between the two parties over his development path.
If he ultimately moves abroad, the Red Devils may receive only a small youth compensation fee rather than a significant transfer fee.