According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are working on a deal for 15-year-old Manchester United attacker JJ Gabriel.

The highly rated youngster has long been regarded as one of the standout talents of his generation and is widely known by the nickname Kid Messi.

The timing of Madrid’s reported move is particularly significant. Gabriel has asked for his registration with Manchester United to be terminated, throwing his future at Old Trafford into serious doubt.

His request does not automatically make him a free agent: cancelling a youth registration requires an agreement between the relevant parties or a binding decision from the Premier League.

Real Madrid are not the only European giant following the situation. Barcelona have also been named among the clubs interested in Gabriel, while Chelsea are monitoring developments.