Real Madrid have offered JJ Gabriel a multi-year contract and hope to bring him to Spain in January, subject to final talks, The Guardian reports. The 16-year-old forward remains registered with Manchester United's academy until the end of the season.
Sky Sports separately reports a verbal agreement over a potential move. Both accounts describe progress with the player while further steps remain before a transfer can be completed.
An academy prospect seeking a different route
Gabriel requested to leave United in September. The Guardian says he is believed to be training in Spain; Sky Sports reports that he has not trained with United since requesting his departure.
The Guardian notes that he appeared in a first-team pre-season friendly at 15. Last season he became the youngest winner of United's academy player-of-the-year award and was named the Premier League's under-18 player of the season.
Sky Sports says Gabriel and his representatives see a clear first-team pathway at Madrid. The Guardian identifies Castilla, Real's third-tier B team, as a potential route towards senior football.
Approval and compensation still to come
At publication, The Guardian understood United had not been contacted by Madrid or the player's camp about the proposed transfer. Sky Sports also reported no club-to-club contact.
According to The Guardian, FIFA would need to approve the proposed arrangement, and compensation would be owed to United if Gabriel moved. United would consider legal action if they believed rules had been broken, the newspaper reports.
Final negotiations, registration and compensation are therefore the next stages in the proposed January move.