Barcelona 'pull out of Gabriel Jesus race'

Gabriel Jesus of Brazil takes a pass during the FIFA Under-20 World Cup semi-final against Senegal on June 17, 2015
© AFP
A report claims that Real Madrid are close to securing the signature of Palmeiras attacker Gabriel Jesus after Barcelona drop their interest.

Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on the signing of Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus after Barcelona dropped their interest.

The 19-year-old, who is expected to represent Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games, has been linked with moves to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the Brazilian insisted that he would be remaining with Palmeiras in this transfer window, but is widely expected to move on in January.

According to Marca, Barcelona have decided to pull out of the race for the teenager and as a result, Real Madrid are now close to tying up his signature for a future in the region of £25.2m.

It is understood that Palmeiras sporting director Alexandre Mattos has been in Madrid over the last few days to discuss terms with the Spanish giants, who want the deal secured before the start of the Olympics on August 5.

Gabriel Jesus of Brazil takes a pass during the FIFA Under-20 World Cup semi-final against Senegal on June 17, 2015
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2Athletic Bilbao00000000
3Atletico MadridAtletico00000000
4Barcelona00000000
5Celta Vigo00000000
6Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo00000000
7EibarEibar00000000
8Espanyol00000000
9Granada00000000
10Las PalmasLas Palmas00000000
11Leganes00000000
12Malaga00000000
13Osasuna00000000
14Real Betis00000000
15Real Madrid00000000
16Real Sociedad00000000
17Sevilla00000000
18Sporting GijonSporting Gijon00000000
19Valencia00000000
20Villarreal00000000