Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or amid a potential move to Real Madrid.

The 16-year-old, who ESPN revealed in September has asked to leave United, has been training in Madrid as the Spanish giants work towards securing his signature ahead of European rivals including Barcelona.

He has subsequently reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid, but no deal has been signed as yet.

On Friday, following one of his sessions, the teenager was approached by Spanish news outlet Marca, which presented him with a copy of their newspaper, which featured a front-page story about his expected move to Los Blancos.

The newspaper reported he told them in English: “My dream is to win a Ballon d’Or.”

Asked by Marca who he preferred between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Gabriel is said to have replied: “Obviously, Madrid.”

Saturday Telegraph had earlier reported during the week that Madrid were increasingly confident of winning the race for Gabriel, having intensified negotiations after his 16th birthday.

United would be due compensation should Gabriel leave, although the figure will be lower if he signs for a club outside the Premier League.

Despite United having Gabriel’s registration domestically, it is not thought that it could prevent the youngster from joining a club overseas, as he now has a European Union passport through his mother, who has Cypriot origin.

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