JJ Gabriel has followed Real Madrid, Castilla, the club’s academy and most of the first-team squad on Instagram, days after formally asking Manchester United to cancel his registration and release him as a free agent.

The activity is the clearest public indication so far of a possible interest in Real Madrid, although it does not confirm his preferred destination.

La Fabrica is the only youth academy he currently follows, and he also follows the official La Liga account. Gabriel has close to a million Instagram followers, making the decision to follow Real Madrid difficult to overlook.

He had already removed all Manchester United references from his accounts in the days after scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah’s Under-19s.

What JJ Gabriel Has Asked Manchester United to Do

The Telegraph’s Matt Law reported that Gabriel sent Manchester United formal notice to cancel his registration immediately. The paper described the move as almost unprecedented for a player of his age. Gabriel has been at United since he was 11.

The Red Devils were reportedly shocked by the request and have no intention of granting it. The club believes the situation can still be resolved.

BBC reporter Simon Stone reported a breakdown in the relationship between Gabriel's family and the club as the underlying cause.

Premier League rules mean United can challenge the request in the short term. United can block the immediate cancellation of Gabriel’s registration. A minor’s registration can only be cancelled with the agreement of the club, player and parent or guardian.

If the dispute continues, the matter could eventually be referred to the league for a ruling.

Gabriel remains under contract to the end of the season. Even if United refuses the request, Gabriel will be eligible to sign scholarship terms once he turns 16, subject to the applicable rules.

Why Real Madrid Could Be an Option for JJ Gabriel

According to the Daily Mail, Los Blancos has identified Gabriel as a target and wants to beat Barcelona to his signing.

The club’s youth setup lost several homegrown players over the summer, including Gonzalo Garcia, who joined Fulham, and Gabriel is being considered for a place in the Castilla squad. The key detail is Gabriel’s Irish passport.

His Irish passport may allow him to move to Spain at 16 under the applicable post-Brexit rules. Gabriel’s age remains a factor. No club can sign him to scholarship terms until he turns 16 on October 6.

And a professional contract cannot be offered until he is 17.

talkSPORT reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona have been making approaches for several months, with interested clubs told that Gabriel had been unhappy during pre-season.

What JJ Gabriel’s Exit Request Means for Manchester United

Chelsea have also been reported as interested, while Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester City have been linked with Gabriel. City made an approach for Gabriel last year but were unsuccessful.

TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook said Manchester United need to keep Gabriel for reasons that extend beyond the player.

“This is a difficult battle for Man United, but I think optically, it's one that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have to win,” he said, pointing to the club’s recent struggles to attract senior signings.

Gabriel had been expected to make his senior debut in the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton before the news broke.

He is no longer expected to be involved in Michael Carrick’s plans for the fixture, while reports say a call from Carrick was the final trigger for the breakdown in their relationship. Neither Gabriel's family nor his representatives have commented publicly.

United have issued no official statement, and Real Madrid have not confirmed any contact.