JJ Gabriel's dream move to Real Madrid could encounter a stumbling block due to FIFA rules on international transfers for under 18s.
The Manchester United wonderkid sent shockwaves on Tuesday when it was revealed that he had asked to leave Old Trafford.
talkSPORT understands Real Madrid are now leading the race for Gabriel's signature but face competition from Barcelona and two Premier League clubs.
While the 15-year-old is being hotly pursued, his preferred destination is understood to be the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid complications
A departure from Old Trafford may well prove complicated for Gabriel, with several potential stumbling blocks emerging.
talkSPORT understands JJ Gabriel's family plan to relocate to Spain.
However, FIFA rules stipulate that if a player under age of 18 moves countries he must provide proof his family are moving to that country for 'non-footballing reasons'.
This could throw some doubt over his dream move to Madrid, even though his Irish passport could help his case.
Brexit rules mean English players must be 18 to join a team in Europe, unless they are a dual national with a EU country, subject to FIFA approval.
With Gabriel turning 16 on October 6, he had asked to leave the club ahead of his birthday next month, and his EU citizenship could be crucial in facilitating this.
However, there is no guarantee that FIFA will allow the move to happen, with previous cases being rejected.
In 2005, 16-year-old Paraguayan Carlos Javier Caballero's move to Cadiz in Spain was rejected.
The teenager's mum got a job at a restaurant in Spain but FIFA ruled the exception to article 19 - which prohibits the international transfers of Under 18s - was not valid as her finding employment was directly linked to his move.
FIFA rules aren't the only obstacle Gabriel faces, with Man United also able to reject his formal notice to cancel his registration with the club.
Should the Red Devils block his request, his next port of call would be to appeal to the Premier League.
Premier League rules state: âÂÂDuring your childâÂÂs registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and their parent/carer).
âÂÂIf the parties donâÂÂt agree, then any person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request."
Meanwhile if Gabriel moves to an overseas club, United are expected to only receive around ã300,000 in training compensation.
Man United told to fight for Gabriel
In the wake of the bombshell news, the Red Devils have been urged to do all they can to keep hold of the youngster - who has been dubbed the 'kid Lionel Messi'.
talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook said on Tuesday's Breakfast Show: "I think optically it's a really bad look if Manchester United lose somebody who Ryan Giggs has gone on record as saying he's a generational talent
"Particularly if he was to join another English club, it probably tells you where United are at in terms of pulling power."
Gabriel was due to be named in United's matchday squad for their Carabao Cup third round clash against Brighton on Wednesday evening, live on talkSPORT.
But the latest developments have inevitably led to Gabriel not being involved.
He would have become United's youngest ever player, with former goalkeeper David Gaskell the incumbent record holder after he played his first game aged 16 years and 19 days.