JJ Gabriel: "My dream is to win a Ballon d'Or" as move to Real Madrid edges closer

Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel said on Friday in Spain during a training session that "My dream is to win a Ballon d'Or", as he moves closer to a transfer to Real Madrid.

The 16-year-old has been training on his own in Spain after walking out on Manchester United and relocating with his family; he also played against Atletico Madrid during United's pre-season tour.

Following one of his training sessions on Friday, Spanish newspaper Marca approached Gabriel and presented him with a copy featuring 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."

No club-to-club talks have been held, sources told BBC Sport.

Gabriel remains registered with Manchester United domestically, but it is not thought that registration could prevent a move abroad because he now holds a European Union passport through his mother, who has Cypriot origin.

While Real and United are both in the Uefa Youth League this season, competition rules prevent players appearing for more than one club in a single season. Gabriel scored a hat-trick in his final appearance for United against Sabah in September and was named the Premier League's Under-18 player of the season last term, despite being only 14 when the season began.

He has subsequently reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid but no deal has been signed as yet. United would be due compensation should Gabriel leave, although the figure will be lower if he signs for a club outside the Premier League.