Manchester United youngster Jay Jay Gabriel sets terms in transfer battle involving Barcelona and Real Madrid

The family of Manchester United academy prospect Jay Jay Gabriel and his agent, Ali Brat, have set out their demands as Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona compete to sign the England Under-? teenager.

Gabriel has just turned 16 and is regarded as a player capable of breaking several records. After completing a series of visits to the four interested clubs, his representatives are now weighing the proposals before deciding which sporting project best suits him.

Barcelona and the other clubs involved understand that signing what is considered Manchester United’s leading academy talent would require an investment of at least €10m.

Sources close to the negotiations say that figure would cover a three-year contract, a salary of more than €1m per season, and other costs linked to the transfer. Those expenses include commissions, financial compensation for the player’s family and solidarity payments due to Manchester United.

The expected agreement would be exceptional for a player of Gabriel’s age and reflects the considerable expectations surrounding him. Whichever club he joins, he is expected to receive a contract befitting a highly rated young star, despite not yet having had the opportunity to face an elite first-team side.

All four clubs appear willing to accept the sporting and financial risks involved in the deal, despite the sizeable demands being made during negotiations.

Following the first round of talks, which became public, Gabriel’s family and Brat have changed their approach in an effort to conduct discussions with greater confidentiality. The move is also intended to ease Manchester United’s frustration.

The English club has repeatedly threatened legal action to prevent Gabriel’s departure after being formally informed that he would not sign his first professional contract with Manchester United.

The process may now be approaching its decisive stage. The indications around the player suggest the period of listening to offers and holding consultations could be coming to an end, unless a late proposal changes the direction of the negotiations.

Gabriel and his family must also wait for him to obtain a Cypriot passport through his mother’s ancestry. That administrative step is necessary to overcome restrictions resulting from the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

Reports from Munich and Paris have highlighted the efforts being made by Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain to persuade Gabriel to join them. However, the family’s preference is understood to have remained unchanged.

The current intention is for Gabriel to leave the Premier League and continue his career in Spain. With Real Madrid and Barcelona competing directly for his signature, though, no decision has yet been reached.