DC United admit Freddy Adu will "have options" at the end of the 2006 Major League Soccer season as the 16-year-old looks set for a move to Europe.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are among the clubs to have been linked with a move for a player who has already played international football for the United States.

The Ghana-born teenager has earned big money in the US since signing his first professional contract aged 14, but in England he would not be allowed to enter a professional contract until his 17th birthday, which falls on June 2nd.

However, DC United technical director Dave Kasper expects Adu to stay beyond the summer and spend the whole 2006 season in Washington.

"Freddy is going to have options. He's going to have options now and he's going to have options down the line, but Freddy will remain a DC United player for this season, in 2006," Kasper said.

With regards to a possible future transfer, Kasper added: "The contracts are held by the league. When we reach that stage it will be a decision in the best interests of the league and all parties including Freddy and DC United."

Kasper played down suggestions there had been firm interest in the youngster from any club.

"I'm not privy to that, but I don't believe there have been any ongoing discussions at this moment," he said.

Adu's emergence has raised the profile of football in the US, but if he was to leave, Kasper would expect him to make a smooth transition.

"Freddy's a very confident young player. I believe he could adapt to any situation," he said.

"It's important that Freddy develops on a day-to-day basis, which he is doing here at DC United, playing in Major League Soccer, but Freddy's family and Freddy's supporters have an eye on the long term as well."

PA