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Real Madrid are among the clubs trying to sign Manchester United academy player JJ Gabriel.
Earlier this week, the 15-year-old sent United formal notice he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect, but the club can challenge the request.
It is understood a number of major teams across Europe, including Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich, have a firm interest in the forward, but multiple sources have described Real's efforts to sign him as strong.
The Spanish side want to recruit the teenager immediately and position him in Real Madrid Castilla - the club's recognised reserved team.
Unlike in England, Castilla play in senior football and are in the regionalised third league of the Spanish system. Last season, they were coached by Alvaro Arbeloa, who then took over the senior Real side following Xabi Alonso's dismissal and has since moved to Fulham.
Thiago Pitarch, who was 18 at the start of last season, played for Castilla in a Premier League International Cup encounter against Southampton in October, and made 16 senior appearances across the campaign.
Sources close to Gabriel, who turns 16 on 6 October, feel let down by United, arguing promises around the pathway to the first team have not been kept.
The club say it was anticipated Gabriel would become the youngest ever senior player by playing in Wednesday night's EFL Cup tie with Brighton. Given they lost 3-2 after leading 2-0, it is debatable whether that would have actually happened.
United have not given up hope of keeping Gabriel, though they are unsure precisely why he wants to leave.
It is understood the player is not currently training with the club.
