Gabriel says winning Ballon d'Or is his dream

Sixteen‑year‑old forward JJ Gabriel, still registered at Manchester United, says his ambition is to win the Ballon d'Or as he draws nearer to a transfer to Real Madrid. The teenager has been training independently in Spain after leaving United with his family.

Gabriel has reached a verbal understanding with the Spanish club, although no contract has been signed. United would be entitled to compensation, which would be reduced if he joins a club outside the Premier League, sources told BBC Sport. He holds an EU passport through his mother, who is of Cypriot origin, meaning the move is not blocked by his registration with United. Competition rules in the UEFA Youth League stop a player from featuring for two clubs in one season; Gabriel scored a hat‑trick for United against Sabah in September and was named the Premier League Under‑18 player of the season last term, despite being only 14 when that campaign began.

Marca reported that he told the newspaper in English: "My dream is to win a Ballon d'Or."