Reading link to Adu played down

By Sarah Holt

Adu was DC United's first pick of the 2003 draft

Major League Soccer team DC United have cooled speculation linking teenage midfielder Freddy Adu with a move to Reading, insisting he is going nowhere.

The regular MLS season ends in the United States in October and Reading were reportedly set to sign the 17-year-old on loan in January.

However, a DC United spokesman told BBC Sport: "We expect Freddy to be in our uniform for the foreseeable future.

"He is the focal point of the team and a very popular figure at the club."

Adu's agent Richard Motzkin revealed in February that Manchester United and Chelsea had both mooted their interest in the teenager.

In 2004, Adu became the youngest professional MLS player when he signed a deal with DC United - at the age of 14.

The Ghana-born midfielder also became the youngest player to compete for the USA when he was handed his senior debut against Canada in March. However, he was left out of their World Cup squad this summer.

Reading are thought to be keen for Adu to line up with fellow Americans Bobby Convey, a winger who also played for DC, and goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Adu's registration with DC United, who have won the championship four times, means he is playing for the most successful club in the 10-year history of the MLS.

"DC United have always been a big draw and Adu is also a big draw," said the spokesman.

"We are pleased with the way he has developed."