JJ Gabriel could leave Man United for Real Madrid next month due to little-known loophole

JJ Gabriel's desired departure from Manchester United could be accelerate due to a little-known loophole involving dual nationality.

Just days after scoring a stunning hat-trick for the club's Under 19 side in the UEFA Youth League, reports emerged indicating that Gabriel had informed the club he wished to have his registration cancelled immediately.

The 15-year-old's entourage has reportedly been left unhappy by his development and lack of first-team opportunities.

According to a report from The Athletic, he has handed a letter of de-registration and wishes to become a free agent.

How JJ Gabriel's passport situation could prove pivotal in Man United exit

Gabriel is not yet a scholar, nor is he eligible to sign a professional contract until he turns 17.

For a youth player's registration to be cancelled during their registration period with a Premier League, the club, player and parent or carer must all agree.

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United have no intention of adhering to Gabriel's request and United chiefs are attempting to resolve the matter and keep him at the club.

However, there is a unique situation which may scupper that attempt and allow Gabriel to move abroad.

As well as Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League, European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are all showing interest in the teenager dubbed 'Kid Messi'.

A move to a foreign club could be the more likely option, if he has a European passport.

The report notes changes to regulations following Brexit may well allow Gabriel to move on to a new challenge in a different country if he has an Irish or Cypriot passport.

Ordinarily, players must wait until they are 18 to leave England but dual nationality allows that to happen two years prior. Gabriel turns 16 on 6 October.

Gabriel's father Joe O’Cearuill, formerly of Arsenal and Brighton, played twice for the Republic of Ireland and his mother holds Cypriot heritage.

15-time European champions Real have been scouting Gabriel but they are one of a number of elite European sides keeping tabs.

United would likely receive a six-figure compensation fee if Gabriel was to leave in the aforementioned scenario.

The club's top brass are said to be looking into Gabriel's passport predicament.

Man United make JJ Gabriel decision for Brighton Carabao Cup tie

Gabriel, who scored 26 goals last season, has been a regular with the United first-team and featured in a friendly fixture against Atletico Madrid.

The eight-minute saw him become the youngest player to play for United in an unofficial capacity.

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Gabriel had been in line to feature in the squad for the Carabao Cup tie with Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday and would have been the club's youngest ever player if he featured.

The situation has changed plans and he is not expected to be involved as a result.

He was poised to train with the first-team on Saturday but instead stayed at home.