Freddy Adu is signing for DC United before embarking on what is expected to be a glittering career in Europe. The teenage sensation, tipped to be the face of soccer as a sport in the United States, has already been signed up by sponsors Nike but has been deliberating over which club side to join.

It has always been suspected Adu would opt for a career in MLS first, but Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Internazionale were particularly keen on fast-tracking him onto their books.

Sources Stateside have indicated that the 14-year-old has signed a six-year contract with MLS, and will spend next season with Washington-based DC United, who are coached by Englishman Ray Hudson.

Manchester United are rumoured to have been very close to winning the chase for Adu's signature, but a prospective trip to England was postponed, enabling MLS to keep the Ghana-born phenomenon in America.

Whether Adu remains in MLS for six years is another matter, particularly if he continues to progress at the same rapid rate, and the European superpowers are fully expected to monitor his development closely.

There will be a press conference at MLS headquarters in New York City on Wednesday evening to officially confirm the capture of a youngster who many are calling the best young player in world football since Pele.

MLS' ability to convince Adu and his family that the US top-flight can nurture such a young talent will add to the momentum the league is enjoying, with new stadium development and expansion of the size of the league all coming at once.

Whether or not manager Hudson will still be in charge of DC United come next season is still in the balance, but the Newcastle native knows he will have to ease the rookie into professional football.

"We've had Freddy in several times to train with us, he's extremely popular in the locker room," said Hudson.

"He's the most wonderful kid you could ever meet, and he's a huge talent, especially at his age.

"I think people in this country have to got to become aware that the soccer culture is still learning. So, if people think Freddy is just going to land - as a 14-year-old kid - in the number ten shirt and be this wonderful, dictating player, then that's not the way it's going to happen.

"It's going to be a long, developing, unfolding journey. It's going to be full of curiosity, wonderful excitement and the possibility of seeing this tremendous player develop into something extremely special is going to be exciting."

Adu will finish his schooling next May, before becoming a full-time player with DC United.