JJ Gabriel looks set to complete a move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a blow to the club

Real Madrid are reportedly surprised by comments from JJ Gabriel ahead of his move to the club. There are also said to be concerns about his father's demanding reputation in the Spanish capital.

The 16-year-old was highly rated at Manchester United, having impressed throughout his progress in the academy. He was seen as the next player ready to make the step up to first-team action.

So the youngster left the Reds stunned back in September when he asked to be deregistered from the club. He has since held talks with both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

In comments to Spanish outlet Marca, Gabriel, and his dad, former professional Joe O’Cearuill, pretty much confirmed the move to the Bernabéu. United sources say that they are yet to recieve any contact from the Spanish giants.

Gabriel then said: "My dream is to win a Ballon d'Or". The Sun reports that Real Madrid have been taken aback by that comment, with focus on individual accolades rather than team achievements.

It comes after Harry Kane admitted he would swap the award, which he won for the first time this year, to claim a first Champions League trophy instead.

In an effort to keep hold of the teenager, United are said to have promised that Gabriel would be named on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton. That plan was scuppered after Gabriel told United of his desire to leave the day before the game.

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It was reported that Gabriel was offered a new contract and his family a hospitality box at the new stadium, as part of another effort to keep hold of the talent. That, however, didn’t work.

A move to Real Madrid will only see United receive £350,000 in compensation, as he is leaving for an overseas club. The teenager and his family are currently in Madrid finalising the move.

O’Cearuill has been a big factor in his son’s imminent move from United. His approach, which has seen him change his son’s surname to supposedly make him more marketable, is said to have been noticed by Madrid, who are wary of his outspoken nature.

The 39-year-old spent some time with Arsenal as a youngster, but spent most of his career in the lower divisions, playing for the likes of Boreham Wood and Forest Green Rovers. He has two full international caps for the Republic of Ireland and hung up his boots in 2016 after leaving Haringey.