'We are not interested...' - Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks out on JJ Gabriel situation

Barcelona are not interested in JJ Gabriel, according to sporting director Deco, who has issued a strongly-worded response to suggestions that the Catalan club are keen on signing the teenager.

JJ Gabriel and his representatives have reportedly informed United officials that he intends to cancel his registration with immediate effect.

The 15-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the biggest talents in world football, is said to be attracting interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona were also being linked and last week, the BBC reported that Gabriel had travelled to the Spanish city. However, rumours of a move to the Catalan giants have now been played down by Deco.

Speaking to journalist Ben Jacobs, he said: "There's nothing to say about this boy. It's normal we always have players linked with us. There's a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young.

"We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am not sure what's happening, and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that."

Deco added: "First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. And to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business."

Deco has responded after Barcelona were linked with a move for JJ Gabriel. Image credit: Getty

Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Manchester United?

A report from the Daily Mail suggests the so-called 'decline of United since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson' is the driving force behind JJ Gabriel's ambition to leave.

A source close to the family explained that United are 'far away' from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, as well as domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.

They also want him to 'learn from the best' to maximise his talents.

Ahead of United's Premier League clash against Fulham, Michael Carrick was asked about Gabriel's tricky situation.

"He's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important we don't play anything out here," he said. "With the exposure and scrutiny and everything, you got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything.

"The situation will work itself out, whatever way it's going to work itself out. Making sure he's OK is the important thing."

Manchester United may have found JJ Gabriel replacement

United are keen to add talent to their ranks. On Thursday (September 24), they announced that highly-rated midfielder Karim Cassim has completed a move from Manchester City after being granted Premier League approval.

The 17-year-old, who is a box-to-box midfielder, is now allowed to represent the club in academy games, having previously helped City win the FA Youth Cup last season.

Cassim, who has represented England at youth level, is tipped to become a future first-team player, with sources telling The Athletic that United are putting a huge emphasis on recruiting young players with the idea of developing them into first-team players.

The outlet also reports that United are closing in on the signing of Isaac Konde from rivals Liverpool. Konde, meanwhile, is being tipped as a potential replacement for Gabriel.