Real Madrid keen on beating Barcelona in the race to sign Manchester United prodigy

Real Madrid have already shown a lot intent in the market this summer by signing a host of new players to shore up the team.

But after a mass exodus in the reserve team, Real Madrid are looking to shore up their youth department, with the club already identifying JJ Gabriel as a key target .

The 15-year-old centre-forward has made quite the impression during his time at Manchester United 's youth academy and is courted by several clubs across Europe.

Real Madrid determined to beat Barcelona

JJ Gabriel has handed in a transfer request at Man United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Among the clubs interested in Gabriel's signature is Barcelona, Real Madrid's most common enemy.

According to Daily Mail , Real Madrid are determined to beat Barcelona in the race to sign Gabriel and are plotting a move for the 15-year-old.

The young centre forward has handed in a transfer request at Man United, following the breakdown of relations between him and the club.

Barcelona were initially hopeful of acquiring Gabriel's signature, but Real Madrid are now looking increasingly confident hi-jacking the deal.

Jose Mourinho's men, in fact, are seen as a real threat as far as the pursuit of Gabriel is concerned.

JJ Gabriel is the next big star in the Man United academy. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Other than Gabriel handing in a transfer request, Real Madrid have multiple things going for them, including the fact that the player holds an Irish passport.

This will allow him to leave England at the age of just 16, making it easier for Real Madrid to snap up the opportunity.

Having shown immense promise at youth levels, Gabriel could be intriguing addition to the Real Madrid academy that has had to cope with the exit of multiple homegrown stars this past summer.

The list was headlined by Gonzalo Garcia 's big money move to Fulham . JJ Gabriel, to that end, could fit in as an ideal replacement in the RM Castilla squad, though it remains unclear as to whether or not he will be directly integrated to the reserve side.