JJ Gabriel says Ballon d’Or is his dream as Real Madrid move nears

Sixteen-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel says his dream is to win the Ballon d’Or, as he moves towards a possible switch to Real Madrid.

Gabriel remains registered with United but has been training alone in Spain after leaving the club and relocating with his family. He told Spanish newspaper Marca: “My dream is to win a Ballon d’Or.”

The BBC reports that Gabriel and his representatives have verbally agreed a move to Real, but no deal has been signed and there have been no club-to-club talks. United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves, although the amount would be lower if he joined a club outside the Premier League.

Gabriel was named Premier League Under-18 player of the season last term, despite being 14 when the campaign began. He scored a hat-trick in his final United appearance, against Sabah in September.