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MUFC · 16-08-2003, 11:41 PM

THE biggest teen sensation since Pele is on the brink of being scooped up by Manchester United.

At just 14, Freddie Adu makes even Wayne Rooney look like an old timer.

Now Sir Alex Ferguson has been making behind-the-scenes moves to land the football world's hottest property - by wooing Adu's mum!

The Ghanaian-born wonderkid, who plays for the USA's under-17s, recently signed a million-dollar sponsorship deal with Nike.

On Thursday, United had scouts in Lahti, Finland, when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over South Korea in the junior World Cup.

They got an even closer look at the prodigy when America's youngsters beat United's kids in a warm-up at the Reds' Carrington training ground. Adu scored one and made one.

He moved to the States five years ago when mum Emelia won a coveted US green card work permit in Ghana's national lottery. Scouts from all over the world will again be on hand this afternoon when the Americans play their second World Cup game against Sierra Leone.

However, the Premiership champions believe they have already stolen an important lead because of Ferguson's contacts with the family.

He has been in personal touch with the fiercely-protective Emelia, who turned down a lucrative offer from Inter Milan - made when her boy was just 13 - because she wants him to finish high school.

Adu's agent Richard Motzkin said: "Every top professional club in the world will have people at this tournament.

"Clubs like to sign players young. This is the youngest tournament of its kind, and it will be well attended by scouts, agents and club officials."

Motzkin is expected to hold preliminary talks with clubs this week.

United have already signed Adu's US under-17 team-mate Jonathan Spector and have their eyes on midfielder Danny Szetela, at 16 the second youngest member of the team.

The success of US goalkeeper Tim Howard since moving to Old Trafford this summer could also play a key part.

Another factor in United's favour is the link with sportswear giants Nike. Adu spent time with Ferguson and United at Nike's Beaverton, Oregon, HQ during the club's summer tour of America.

Nike invited their prodigy to meet his potential future employers and insiders say the initial contact went very well.

Last week, apart from a match-winning display against United's kids, the striker scored three goals in 24 minutes against Blackburn's under-18s and a penalty against the Australian national team.

He is tipped for a full international cap at 15 - and the US professional league actually wanted him to play for one of their teams this season despite his age.

16-08-2003, 11:41 PM	#40 (permalink)
MUFC TS Member Favourite Team: Manchester United MUFC is Offline Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: There are no strangers here. Just friends who are yet to meet. Posts: 18,397 vCash: 500 Rep: Rep Points: 3113	Adu Set For Talks With Man United THE biggest teen sensation since Pele is on the brink of being scooped up by Manchester United. At just 14, Freddie Adu makes even Wayne Rooney look like an old timer. Now Sir Alex Ferguson has been making behind-the-scenes moves to land the football world's hottest property - by wooing Adu's mum! The Ghanaian-born wonderkid, who plays for the USA's under-17s, recently signed a million-dollar sponsorship deal with Nike. On Thursday, United had scouts in Lahti, Finland, when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over South Korea in the junior World Cup. They got an even closer look at the prodigy when America's youngsters beat United's kids in a warm-up at the Reds' Carrington training ground. Adu scored one and made one. He moved to the States five years ago when mum Emelia won a coveted US green card work permit in Ghana's national lottery. Scouts from all over the world will again be on hand this afternoon when the Americans play their second World Cup game against Sierra Leone. However, the Premiership champions believe they have already stolen an important lead because of Ferguson's contacts with the family. He has been in personal touch with the fiercely-protective Emelia, who turned down a lucrative offer from Inter Milan - made when her boy was just 13 - because she wants him to finish high school. Adu's agent Richard Motzkin said: "Every top professional club in the world will have people at this tournament. "Clubs like to sign players young. This is the youngest tournament of its kind, and it will be well attended by scouts, agents and club officials." Motzkin is expected to hold preliminary talks with clubs this week. United have already signed Adu's US under-17 team-mate Jonathan Spector and have their eyes on midfielder Danny Szetela, at 16 the second youngest member of the team. The success of US goalkeeper Tim Howard since moving to Old Trafford this summer could also play a key part. Another factor in United's favour is the link with sportswear giants Nike. Adu spent time with Ferguson and United at Nike's Beaverton, Oregon, HQ during the club's summer tour of America. Nike invited their prodigy to meet his potential future employers and insiders say the initial contact went very well. Last week, apart from a match-winning display against United's kids, the striker scored three goals in 24 minutes against Blackburn's under-18s and a penalty against the Australian national team. He is tipped for a full international cap at 15 - and the US professional league actually wanted him to play for one of their teams this season despite his age.