Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel lands in Barcelona for talks with Catalan giants

Manchester United's teenage sensation JJ Gabriel and his entourage on Friday touched down in the city of Barcelona, ahead of a round of negotiations with the brass at the Spotify Camp Nou. The visit comes ahead of what is expected to be a heated upcoming battle for the signature of the wantaway 15-year-old.

Disillusioned starlet informs United of exit desire

Attacker Gabriel has dominated the media headlines across not only England, but all of Europe, over the course of the week to date. Disillusioned with his situation in Manchester, the teenage starlet informed his current employers, Manchester United, of his desire to seek out a new club.

With Gabriel widely considered a future star in the making, a host of leading clubs from across the continent have in turn quickly made their interest in his signature known.

Barcelona and Real Madrid viewed as the front-runners

On Friday, one such suitor kicked into gear talks over the terms of a potential contract with the England youth international. And according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, it is Barcelona and Real Madrid who are viewed as the strongest candidates to land the attacker should he opt to leave Old Trafford for a club abroad.

"JJ Gabriel is in Barcelona for talks. Barcelona and Real Madrid are viewed as the most viable contenders if Gabriel goes abroad."

Jacobs confirmed that the 15-year-old was in the Catalan capital for discussions, underlining that the two Spanish heavyweights stand as the most viable contenders in the event that Gabriel decides to continue his development outside of England. For now, with his future still up in the air, United face a growing fight to hold on to one of the most coveted young talents in European football.