Photo via BBC Sport

Youth star JJ Gabriel, 15, on brink of leaving Man Utd

Promising 15-year-old attacker JJ Gabriel appears close to departing Manchester United after formally requesting the immediate termination of his registration. The London-born prodigy, who celebrated his Under-18 debut at age 14 with a brace, helped his team reach both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 finals last term, collecting both the division's and United's Under-18 player of the year honors.

After netting in each of his first two Premier League 2 appearances this campaign, Gabriel featured for the senior side in an exhibition against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, bagged three goals in his first UEFA Youth League match, and was slated for a competitive first-team bow against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

However, tensions between Gabriel's family and the hierarchy prompted his absence from Michael Carrick's training sessions late last week. United executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have personally stepped in to mediate and preserve the relationship before the forward's deal expires at the conclusion of the season, retaining the ability to dispute his cancellation filing.

While club officials remain puzzled by the root causes of the rift, they are seeking a resolution prior to October 6, when Gabriel reaches his 16th birthday and gains eligibility for a scholarship contract.