Real Madrid reach verbal agreement to sign Gabriel

Real Madrid are confident of winning the race to sign Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel after reaching a verbal agreement with the teenager. Gabriel, who played against Atletico Madrid on United's pre-season tour, had been expected to become the club's youngest debutant in September's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. His availability alerted clubs around Europe, including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain, but Real now expect to sign the youngster in January.

Though no club-to-club talks have been held, sources have told BBC Sport Real have verbally agreed a deal with Gabriel and his representatives. Gabriel, who scored a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut, has secured a European Union passport, which is expected to make it easier for him to sign for a club outside England. United would be due compensation should Gabriel leave, although the figure will be lower if he signs for a club outside the Premier League.

He was named the Premier League's Under-18 player of the season last term, despite being only 14 when the season campaign.