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Real Madrid could reportedly put a three-year plan into action to fast-track JJ Gabriel into Jose Mourinho’s side.

Sixteen-year-old Gabriel is close to finalising a move to Los Blancos after his representatives demanded that Manchester United cancel his registration back in September.

Since then, the teenager has been training in Spain and has not been to United’s academy or training ground. His representatives have held talks with several clubs, including Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona, but it appears the Madrid club will acquire his signature.

Gabriel is expected to complete his move and join his Real teammates in January after securing a European passport, making it easier for him to sign for a European club.

Despite Real Madrid’s appeal, fans have voiced concerns about Los Blancos often failing to map out a path to the first team for academy prospects, with Brazilian Endrick the latest starlet to have failed to nail down a spot in Real’s side despite the hype around him.

However, Jose Mourinho and co may use a clever plan to gradually allow Gabriel to gain first-team experience without actually playing for the La Liga giants’ senior side.

Speaking to talkSPORT, European football expert Andy Brassell broke down how Real could use a three-step plan: loaning the teenager to a Segunda (second division) team, then a mid-to-lower-table La Liga side, and finally to a European side such as Como.

Brassell said: "Really what you're looking for, though, is a career plan – just because he's going to Real Madrid… if he does go to Real Madrid. I mean, it doesn't mean he won't get minutes. It just means he won't get minutes for Real Madrid.

"I think if they've got a plan, say year 1: 'You play for a team in the Segunda [second division], year two, we'll loan you out to Getafe or Levante, and year three you go to Como', maybe that's acceptable?

"I know there's been a lot written about his dad, but I think we can make a lot of assumptions.

"I don't think anyone could reasonably expect he'll go to Real Madrid and get minutes. It's just not realistic."

Gabriel faces competition at Madrid from Vinicius Junior, Yan Diamonde, Carlos Espi and Endrick, who are arguably ahead of him in the pecking order.

Endrick’s path may act as a blueprint for Gabriel, with the 20-year-old having been loaned to Lyon last term, where he scored five goals in 16 league appearances.

Brassell added: “If Endrick, who has everything to be a superstar – the talent, the attitude, the application, the communication skills, of course, he has made a few impacts recently, but I think he's going to want more and more game time if he's not to agitate for a move or at least a temporary move away in January.

"But to me, that's got to be part of the plan for JJ Gabriel. If they're looking to take him there, Real Madrid will have a plan.

"A big part of their development of players includes using them at other clubs. You do look at those relationships that they have with other clubs.

"So, to see him maybe have a year at Castilla, which is not top-division first-team football, it's first-team football of sorts, and then you put him in a Getafe-type situation.

"We've talked about Como before; we know they've got a good relationship with Real Madrid in terms of [Nico] Paz and Jacobo [Ramón] and players like that.

"I think there can be a plan for him, but I think the headline shouldn't really distract from what that plan should be.

"I guess, just like if a big club is loaning a player to a smaller club, the bigger club needs a plan on how that player is going to be developed.

"And whatever has been said about JJ Gabriel's entourage and his father and whoever else might be in the decision-making process, and there will be loads, obviously, because A, he's big business and B, he is a child.

"I think if they're doing the right thing for him, they will be looking to be taken through that plan for how he's going to get into first-team football in forensic detail.”

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has released an emotional statement after being involved in a fatal on-pitch collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.

The tragic incident occurred during a Spanish second-division match on Monday (November 2), with De Miguel pronounced dead on 3 November after suffering head and chest injuries and later having a cardiac arrest.

Owono was sent off for the challenge before the match was abandoned.

“Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true,” Tenerife said, confirming De Miguel’s untimely passing.

“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can lessen this overwhelming sadness. We stand with his grieving family, with his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today.”

Tributes have poured in from the footballing world, with a minute’s silence observed before Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

On Wednesday (4 November), Owono released a statement describing the past few days as the ‘most difficult’ of his life.

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said in the statement.

“I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to come to terms with what has happened.

“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.

“I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are all experiencing.

“Rest in peace, Jesus.”

This came after Owono’s FC Andorra teammate Lautaras Spatz defended him, saying he would “never intentionally hurt anyone”.

Spatz wrote: “Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone.

“In football, unfortunate incidents can happen but no-one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences.”

The chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui, explained that criminal proceedings were “very unlikely”, despite Spanish police opening an investigation into involuntary manslaughter, which is standard practice in similar situations.

Andorra’s upcoming Segunda clash with RCD Mallorca has been officially postponed following the tragedy, while the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has formally asked the RFEF and La Liga to suspend all domestic football this weekend.