JJ Gabriel could miss England’s latest round of international fixtures as talks continue over his desire to leave Manchester United with immediate effect.
Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed that Gabriel has asked to leave United and have his club registration cancelled.
The bombshell news has started a huge scramble for the 15-year-old, who is rated one of the country’s best prospects, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich ready to join England’s top clubs in the chase for his signature.
United have insisted they do not view the situation as irretrievable and talks are ongoing. But sources at rival clubs believe United are fighting a losing battle even if they refuse to consent to his registration being cancelled.
Gabriel was part of the last England Under-17 squad in March and may have been in line to move up the age groups following a stunning season for United’s Under-18s and scoring a hat-trick in the Uefa Youth League last week.
England’s senior and youth squads will be announced on Friday. It may be decided that Gabriel is not in the right frame of mind or physical condition to be part of an England squad with so much going on regarding his club future.
Gabriel has not trained at United since last week and has dominated headlines since informing the club of his desire to leave.
It is understood that England would ideally like to call up Gabriel and there has been no confirmation either way about his involvement in any squad. But there is also understanding of the need to put his well-being first and all parties are believed to be in contact.
While England’s senior side play in the Nations League, the country’s youth teams below the Under-21s are not involved in any qualifiers during the forthcoming round of fixtures which means Gabriel’s potential absence would not be so keenly felt.
With talks over Gabriel’s club future likely to intensify in the international break, during which he celebrates his 16th birthday on October 6, then the decision could be taken for him to miss England duty.
Gabriel has played for England Under-17s, most recently against Israel in March, Under-16s and Under-15s. He is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland through his father and for Cyprus through his mother.
United’s Under-21s face Brentford on Friday night but Gabriel is not expected to be involved in the game.