Barcelona Hope to Overcome Real Madrid's Financial Advantage in JJ Gabriel Race

Barcelona are viewed as one of the frontrunners to land Manchester United academy talent JJ Gabriel, with the 15 year old expected to leave Old Trafford once he turns 16 next month.

A move away from United and out of the Premier League is being treated as more or less certain, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also interested, though the expectation is still that Gabriel ends up at either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Barcelona will be hoping to repeat what they managed over the summer, when they beat Real Madrid to the signing of Rodri. That defeat is thought to have made Real Madrid even more determined this time around, which is not great news for Barcelona given how the financial side of things is shaping up.

According to Sport, both clubs have already put offers in front of Gabriel's representatives, led by agent Ali Barat. Real Madrid's offer is said to be considerably more lucrative than what Barcelona have put on the table, though that does not necessarily mean Barcelona are out of the running.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has been leading the club's efforts to win Gabriel over, and has reportedly promised the teenager a clear route into the first team if he chooses Barcelona, pointing to the club's track record of bringing young players through La Masia as a selling point over Real Madrid.

Barcelona are also said to have a good relationship with agent Ali Barat, who is reportedly close to becoming Raphinha's new representative too. That connection could work in Barcelona's favour as they try to close the gap created by Real Madrid's bigger financial offer.

Gabriel is expected to make a decision in the next few days. He is able to sign with either club once he turns 16 on October 6, meaning Barcelona should know well before then whether they have managed to land one of the most highly rated young players in the world.