US prodigy Adu makes MLS switch

Adu spent two weeks training with Manchester United

Teenager Freddy Adu has left Washington DC United to join fellow Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake.

The 17-year-old American, who is rated as one of the brightest young talents in the world, spent two weeks with Manchester United in November.

Adu was 16 when he made his international debut for the United States in a friendly against Canada.

"This is an exciting day for our club," Real Salt Lake chief executive Dean Howes told the club's website.

"Freddy is one of the most recognised names in American soccer - adding him to our roster allows us to improve our operation on several levels.

"He instantly makes us a better team on the field and will raise our level of awareness off the field as well."

Adu cannot play outside the United States until he turns 18 on June 2 next year.

DC United president and chief executive Kevin Payne said Adu's move, along with goalkeeper Nick Rimando, was partly down to the youngster's wish to play in an attacking midfield role.

"This was a difficult decision for all of us at DC United," he said.

"Freddy has been a valued member of our team both on and off the field for three years.

"We appreciate that he wanted the opportunity to play a different role on the field than he would have been afforded here and he will apparently get that opportunity in Salt Lake.

"We wish him nothing but the best."

DC United will receive a cut of any transfer fee for Adu if he goes on to make a big-money move to Europe.