Manchester United offer JJ Gabriel new deal as Barcelona and Real Madrid circle

Manchester United have reportedly offered highly rated teenager JJ Gabriel a scholarship contract in an attempt to prevent him from leaving Old Trafford.

The 16-year-old requested to be deregistered last month, raising the possibility of an exit amid interest from several of Europe's biggest clubs.

According to The Guardian, United have now submitted a formal scholarship offer, although Gabriel is still expected to favour a move elsewhere.

Gabriel's future became uncertain after his representatives reportedly expressed frustration over his limited opportunities with United's first team.

The teenager's camp, led by his father, is understood to believe he would benefit from a clearer pathway into senior football.

United had reportedly planned to include Gabriel in their squad for the Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton, but his deregistration request arrived shortly before that fixture.

The club's latest contract offer represents an attempt to persuade him that his development can continue in Manchester.

However, Gabriel has reportedly been absent from training for three weeks, adding to concerns about his future.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all been linked with Gabriel.

The financial implications of his departure could differ significantly depending on his destination.

Under Premier League compensation rules, an English club could reportedly face a fee of up to £3million.

Liverpool's £2.8m initial compensation payment to Chelsea for Rio Ngumoha in 2025 has been cited as a comparison.

European clubs, meanwhile, could potentially secure Gabriel for approximately £350,000 under different compensation arrangements.

That difference could make an overseas move particularly attractive to interested clubs.

Born in Enfield, Gabriel joined Manchester United at the age of 11 after previously spending time in the academies of Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.

Despite United's efforts to retain him, reports suggest the teenager remains keen to explore opportunities elsewhere.

The scholarship offer gives United another chance to convince him to stay, but there is currently no indication that he has accepted it.

Gabriel must decide whether to accept Manchester United's scholarship offer or pursue a move elsewhere. Interested clubs will be monitoring his decision, with the compensation required potentially depending on whether he stays in England or moves abroad.