JJ Gabriel handed in a de-registration request three weeks ago, before Manchester United's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion, and he has yet to feature or even train with the youth teams since. 

The now-16-year-old has been pictured training in Spain with a private coach, while his future at Old Trafford remains up in the air. 

United denied his de-registration request, but with Gabriel now 16, he is more likely to find a way out of the club. 

Gabriel has Irish and Cypriot routes, meaning that if he could obtain a passport from either nation, it would give him the freedom to move to another European side. 

Brexit regulations mean that in England, academy prospects from Europe can only be signed/leave after their 18th birthday, but they are just 16 on the continent. 

Despite all the exit drama, Gabriel was included in the first-team squad picture at Manchester United. 

Manchester United's first-team squad picture was taken on September 8, as revealed by Danyal Khan, which was just days before Gabriel and his family asked to leave the club. 

The reporter also states that Gabriel and his family requested to play at least 20 minutes against Sabah FK, Brighton, and Bournemouth – an upcoming Premier League fixture. 

Gabriel could not feature against Sabah in the Champions League, as he was not included in Manchester United's A List for the competition. He can now be added to the B List, given that he has turned 16, meaning he could feature in the rest of United's European ties this season. 

Michael Carrick named a full A List for the European campaign, but it included Manuel Ugarte, who looks unlikely to be fit before the end of January, at which time United would be able to add him to their squad. 

Khan also said that United will consider legal action if any move for Gabriel is made through a FIFA loophole. 

Now that he has turned 16, JJ Gabriel's situation is likely to become a hot topic again, and if his family wants it that way, the deal could be wrapped up quickly. 

As reported by Academy Scoop, well-known agent Ali Barat has been involved in Gabriel's future, with Barcelona and Real Madrid heavily linked to the teenager. 

Manchester City have also been touted as a potential option, but that transfer looks unlikely after the official Premier League verdict. 

Gabriel will not be short of options, but the reality is that by the time he officially moves to his new side, he could have been without competitive football for at least one month – that is not something any young footballer will enjoy.