Freddy Adu linked to loan move to Rayo Vallecano

Posted Friday, January 13, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

In an interview earlier this week, Freddy Adu expressed his desire to return to Europe to play in a top-five league. According to sources in the Philadelphia Union, his wish might come true.

The sources, who didn't want to be identified, said there is a possibility that the Adu could join Rayo Vallecano on a short-term loan. The 22-year-old midfielder has been training with the La Liga side over the past few days and has impressed manager José Ramón Sandoval, according to reports.

However, Adu's agent Richard Motzkin denies that Rayo has expressed an interest to loan his client, telling Goal.com that the reports are "not accurate."

Adu's midseason arrival to Major League Soccer was expected to boost his chances with the United States national team. But Adu did not find a natural fit in Piotr Nowak's system and had mixed results.

As one of the Union's top-earning players, it is rumored that the club was looking to make a move. Adu was left exposed for the Montreal Impact to select in December's Expansion Draft, but the club declined to take on his salary.

Still, despite those struggles, Adu admitted that he wouldn't leave MLS unless he was guaranteed playing time in a top league in Europe.

"I definitely miss playing in Europe," Adu told . "I always said that when I went back to MLS, I wanted stability, and that I wouldn't go back until I could play for a top-five league. But if I did get the chance, I'd have to pursue it."

Adu had two goals and an assists in 11 games last season.