ESPN: Real Madrid close to signing JJ Gabriel, whose agent requested his departure in September

According to ESPN, Real Madrid are ahead of Barcelona and other European giants in the race to sign Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, and both parties are close to finalizing a deal.

Gabriel, 16, had spent several weeks training with a private coach in Catalonia while awaiting a resolution on his future. A source told ESPN that he is now training in Madrid. Real Madrid have always believed they were in a strong position, and optimism has grown over the past few hours.

The young forward made headlines last September when ESPN and other media reported that his agents had asked for him to leave Manchester United. United insisted at the time that they would not facilitate his departure, but ESPN reported that Real Madrid, Barcelona and other European giants were monitoring the situation.

In recent weeks, pessimism has grown at Manchester United, with sources admitting to ESPN that the club's current aim is to secure the highest possible compensation for his departure. However, sources at United also hinted that they are considering legal action, as they believe the player's agents held talks with another club last summer, when the player was only 15.

Multiple sources told ESPN that Manchester United believe Gabriel's agents met with at least one unnamed club last summer without the club's knowledge. According to these sources, United will consider legal action if they conclude that illegal contact took place while the player was still under contract at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid stepped up negotiations after the player turned 16 on October 6, and a source now admits that everything is on track for Gabriel to join Real Madrid. The plan is for the young player to join Castilla directly, who currently play in Spain's third tier, Primera Federación, while also featuring in the UEFA Youth League with the Juvenil A (U19) side.

All major European clubs had shown interest in the 16-year-old talent, but if everything goes as expected, Real Madrid will win the race. As ESPN reported last September, Real Madrid have always believed they were ahead of Barcelona in the race for his signature. Real Madrid do not want any conflict with Manchester United, who had also believed they could convince the player to stay, but Real Madrid are now simply waiting to finalize the signing.

At their Valdebebas training base, they regard the player as one of the most promising talents in the world: technically excellent, with a strong personality and outstanding shooting ability.