News that Gabriel had informed United of his wish to leave, with immediate termination of his registration, caused shockwaves in England on Tuesday.
Even as Manchester United continue fighting to keep hold of their prized talent, several of Europe's biggest clubs are positioning themselves for a possible move, Bayern Munich among them.
Sporting director Christoph Freund gave the clearest hint yet of the German champions' interest at a press conference.
"I don't talk about players who are under contract at other clubs," Freund said. "We know the player because he is very, very talented. He is certainly an exceptional talent. But I can't say any more than that."
According to Bild, Wernscheid, an assistant to sporting board member Max Eberl, has been the club's primary point of contact with Gabriel and his circle since February, with the two parties having already held at least one in-person meeting.
Bayern's path to a deal is nonetheless complicated. Gabriel is English and therefore a non-EU national, meaning he ordinarily could not move to a European club before turning 18, and even then only to play for the senior side. However, his Irish father and mother of Cypriot descent mean Gabriel could qualify for an EU passport, which would allow an earlier move at 16.
Media reports also suggest Real Madrid are currently considered favourites in the race for the teenager, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also showing interest. Bayern's trail, according to Bild, has meanwhile grown "somewhat colder" in recent days.
Gabriel's rapid rise through United's academy has made him one of the most closely watched teenage prospects in European football, with his combination of dribbling ability and finishing having already drawn comparisons to some of the game's biggest names.
The scale of interest already circling, months before he is even old enough to move abroad under normal rules, underlines the calculation clubs across the continent are already making over a player who has yet to make his senior debut anywhere.