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EXCLUSIVEMan United 14-year-old wonderkid dubbed 'Kid Messi' who wowed Cristiano Ronaldo is set to sign new deal at Old Trafford - after 'crucial' intervention avoids poaching disaster

Manchester United's 14-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel has committed his future to the Red Devils following a crucial intervention from club chiefs.

Mail Sports understands that Red Devils' director of football Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves stepped in in the last week to persuade the teenager - dubbed 'Kid Messi' - to remain in the north west.

In March, it was revealed that several of United's rivals were ‘desperate’ to get Gabriel, who, in holding an Irish passport, was allowed to play in the European Union from the age of 16 when otherwise he would have to wait until 18.