Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel Nears Decision Amid Real Madrid Interest

Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel could be close to deciding his next club, with Real Madrid and Barcelona leading the chase for the 16-year-old as Brentford prepare for renewed attention around Kevin Schade.

Gabriel decision could be nearing

Gabriel is seeking a departure from Manchester United and has been training by himself in a town near Barcelona while his representatives consider the options available.

1. His agent, Ali Barat, has gathered proposals from interested clubs.
2. Real Madrid and Barcelona are viewed as the leading candidates, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
3. Madrid are prepared to meet the terms put forward by Gabriel’s camp: a three-year deal worth up to €10 million including bonuses.
4. Barcelona’s position is less certain, although a decision on Gabriel’s destination is expected soon.

Premier League clubs track Schade

Arsenal and Liverpool are among the strongest admirers of Brentford winger Kevin Schade, but the west London club would seek more than £60 million for the 24-year-old should a January sale become a possibility.

Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also been linked with Schade. Brentford are not under pressure to sell, however, and have begun discussions over an improved contract for a player whose present agreement runs until 2028.

Continental market watch

• Bayern Munich continue to hold an interest in Barcelona attacking midfielder Dani Olmo. The possibility of summer exits for Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala has added to the appeal of the Spain international, although Bayern have not submitted an offer and none is anticipated soon. Barcelona are also unlikely to entertain a departure without an exceptional proposal for the 28-year-old.
• Manchester United and Arsenal are following Newcastle United winger Bazoumana Touré. The Ivory Coast international, 20, arrived from Hoffenheim for about £43 million during the summer, having already attracted interest from both clubs. Tottenham, Aston Villa and clubs in Germany are also watching him, but no approach is expected before the summer.
• AC Milan are pursuing Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi, whose hat-trick against Inter Milan at San Siro intensified attention around the 22-year-old. Milan’s interest predates that display, but Inter and Roma are also in the race. Roma had a €35 million bid rejected in the summer and a fee above €50 million may now be necessary. Tresoldi supported Milan as a child.

Other developing situations

• Manchester United are discussing Bruno Fernandes’ future, with a move away from Old Trafford next year still possible.
• Real Madrid could allow Brahim Diaz to leave on loan rather than Endrick, after the Brazilian moved ahead of him in the squad order.
• Chelsea have placed Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui, 18, among their leading January targets. Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring the defender as well.
• Jude Bellingham has reportedly agreed terms with Real Madrid on an extension running through June 2031.
• Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is set for a new deal until 2031, featuring a €500 million release clause.
• Brentford, Sunderland, Bologna and Sevilla are among the clubs interested in Rangers centre-back Olwethu Makhanya.
• Leeds United are monitoring Igor Paixao’s position at Marseille, where financial issues could force the French club to consider a sale.