The United States national team coach Bruce Arena has hinted that Freddy Adu is unlikely to make his squad for the World Cup finals.

Adu, currently 16, was included in a New Year training camp by Arena - as he looks to finalise his squad for the tournament in Germany, which gave the Ghanaian-born starlet some hope of making the final 23-man party.

However, Arena admits that the finals in just six months time could come too early for the precocious talent.

"He's a good young player, but he's in a little over his head at this level at this point in his career," Arena told USA Today.

"In terms of the physical requirements, he's not up to par in some respects. The game's a little faster than he's used to."

Arena admitted that Adu's failure to command a regular first-team place for DC United had damaged his chances.

"He's not a starter on his club team," Arena opined.

"And you're asking where he stands on making a World Cup roster.

"Without me giving you a prognosis, I'll let you figure that out. Is he a long shot? Is he a definite? I'll let you figure it out."

Ghana were going to make a dramatic bid to lure teenage star Freddy Adu into representing them at this year's World Cup.

Ghana were aiming to convince the teenager to play for the Black Stars at not only the World Cup but this month's Nations Cup as well.

"We have decided to contact Adu to ask him to decide whether he would like to play for Ghana or the United States," Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic told BBC Sport.

"In the coming days, he will be contacted by the football association."

The Ghana Football Association were planning their raid despite the fact that Adu is reportedly unwilling to play for anyone other than the United States.