The Times Online says that while Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to follow up his interest in D.C. United winger Freddy Adu, the two-week trial offered to the youngster signifies “a special relationship” between the pair. At 17, Adu is still an unfinished product, but he still represents one of America’s best hopes of growing into a superstar, something the United States has routrinely lacked in big tournaments like the World Cup. As we know, America’s influence over the Premier League is growing-there are 12 U.S. players in the EPL now-and it’s not just goalkeepers anymore. However, no American, with the exception of goalie Tim Howard a few years ago, has been able to break into England’s big four as a regular. New Jersey-born and -bred Giuseppe Rossi, a Manchester United player, may have the best chance of becoming the first in the next few years. Rossi, 19, insists that he wants to play for Italy, but he may reconsider that decision if he’s frozen out of the Azzurri squad. Reading’s American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann says a true American soccer star would legitimize everything. “If one of our guys was making millions in the Premiership, it would change the way footballers are perceived in the States.” The Times points out that there would be more U.S. players in Britain if it weren’t for Britain’s strict work-permit regulations. Only those who have played in 75 percent of their country’s internationals in the past two years are eligible for work permits.