Might Olympics lead D.C. United youngster to Europe? [Aug 02, 2012]

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Andy Najar, who joined D.C. United's youth Academy in 2008 and in 2010 was named MLS Rookie of the Year, is starring at the Olympics for Honduras, which has reached the quarterfinals.

The 19-year-old who immigrated to the USA at age 13, has been getting attention from scouts of European clubs. Steve Goff assesses the likelihood Najar leaving MLS:

He has had a good tournament, starting all three group matches and contributing to the goal that toppled Spain. He has displayed pace, skill and ambition. He is not, however, a sign-him-at-all-costs prospect that has left European scouts drooling. The true test will come Saturday when Honduras faces gold medal favorite Brazil.

Najar had a terrific maiden season in 2010. He didn’t meet expectations last year and has produced mixed results this season while locked in a constant battle for playing time. United still considers Najar an important component in its playoff ambitions, and losing him late in the campaign would damage the effort. ... But United sits in good position. It signed Najar to a long-term contract extension before the 2011 season, a deal that carries through 2014, plus an option year. So financially, United would cash in from a transfer -- funds that could be applied toward future acquisitions.

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