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Manchester United are facing a serious battle to keep JJ Gabriel, and Real Madrid are now working out whether they should make their move for the youngster.

The 15-year-old has reportedly asked to leave Old Trafford, despite being regarded as one of the biggest talents to come through Carrington in years.

That has quickly alerted clubs around Europe. And Spain’s Marca explains exactly what Real Madrid are doing about it.

Real Madrid gathering information on Gabriel

Real Madrid are “studying the complex situation” surrounding the Manchester United youngster.

For now, that means they’re only gathering information. Marca says the Spanish club want to understand every aspect of the case before deciding whether to launch an offensive.

There is clearly some caution involved. The newspaper describes the situation as potentially “thorny”, particularly given Gabriel’s age and Manchester United’s determination to keep him.

Real Madrid are also well aware they would have plenty of competition. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea are all named as clubs keeping an eye on developments.

Manchester United still don’t want to lose him

Gabriel turns 16 in October and has already been pushed well beyond his age group. Michael Carrick even gave him eight minutes with Manchester United’s first team against Atletico Madrid during the summer.

Despite that rapid progress, reports in England say Gabriel is unhappy with his first-team opportunities and has asked to leave.

Marca also points towards the influence of his father, Joe O’Cearuill, who has played a major role in planning his son’s career.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are making their own efforts to convince Gabriel that his future should remain at Old Trafford. The English reports say Carrick and Sir Alex Ferguson have both met the youngster and his camp to explain the pathway available to him.

Real Madrid therefore aren’t rushing into anything yet. They know the difficulties involved. They are collecting information before deciding whether this is an opportunity worth pursuing.

In recent years, Real Madrid have avoided upsetting the grand old clubs of Europe if they can help it. That will be on Florentino Perez’s mind regarding any move for JJ Gabriel.

The relationship between the two clubs is good, and that’s valued at the Bernabeu. Another issue is that Real Madrid are unlikely to give the minutes desired, or the salary wanted.

Los Blancos have their own successful youth set up and in recent years have made relative fortunes by selling academy graduates and securing high sell-on options.

Even if JJ Gabriel ended up at Real Madrid, that would certainly be a possibility they’d consider depending on his progress over the next couple of years.

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