JJ Gabriel to Barcelona twist as Manchester United transfer decision revealed after talks opened

Manchester United have rejected JJ Gabriel’s request to leave the club but could still lose the hotly-tipped youngster amid reports that he has travelled to Barcelona for talks over a potential move.The Press Association understands United will not accept Gabriel’s request to be de-registered and have sought to persuade the youngster to stay, but there remains a risk that the 15-year-old could use a FIFA loophole to walk away when he turns 16 on October 6.That would have given him the opportunity to become United’s youngest ever player, but the plans were scrapped and Gabriel has subsequently been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.JJ Gabriel hopes to leave Man Utd but his request to be deregistered was deniedGettyGabriel would not be allowed to join another Premier League club if United do not cancel his registration, which runs until the summer, but as he qualifies for an EU passport there is a precedent that would allow him to sign for a European club after his birthday at the start of next month.United manager Michael Carrick was asked about Gabriel on Friday and reiterated his view that the matter needed to be handled carefully.“I think he’s a young boy, JJ, and I think it’s important that we certainly don’t play anything out here,” he said.“I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything, you’ve got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything, so the situation will work itself out, whatever way it’s going to work itself out. Making sure he’s okay is the important thing.”