La Liga: Juan Agudelo Reportedly Drawing Interest from Atletico Madrid

Juan Agudelo burst onto the scene in November when he scored his first goal in his debut for the United States a week before his 18th birthday. Agudelo drew attention from US National Team Manager Bob Bradley after filling in for Thierry Henry in New York for a couple appearances during the end of last season.

In 2011, he has made three appearances and so far has one goal. He has also made two more appearances for the Yanks, netting a second goal against Argentina at the New Meadowlands on March 26.

So to say Agudelo has burst onto the scene is an understatement. He is quickly becoming a fan favorite of both Red Bull and US National Team fans alike, and he is drawing attention from the upper echelons of world football.

Spanish newspaper MARCA is reporting that La Liga side Atletico Madrid is very interested in the 18-year-old Colombian-American and could potentially make a move during the summer.

Atletico currently finds themselves in sixth place in Spain's top flight, just outside the position of UEFA Europa League and likely too far off pace to clinch a spot in next year's Champions League.

Offense has not been terrible for Los Rojiblancos, scoring 48 goals in 31 matches, but they boast only three players listed at forward. They are not lacking for talent though. Atletico's three strikers are 22-year-olds Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero, and 31-year-old star Diego Forlan.

Reports out of Europe indicate that Atletico is shopping the Forlan, the Uruguayan World Cup star and has reportedly invited Tottenham to make an offer. Aguero will certainly draw interest from bigger clubs in the future, and Atletico may be looking to prepare for that as well.

The 18-year-old Agudelo would make an excellent addition to the club.

It is likely he would possibly be loaned out for a season or so upon arrival since he is still young and needs to develop, but Atletico would love to have a player with his potential available on the bench as well.

MARCA reports that Ateltico Madrid has been monitoring the youngster's progress with great interest and General Manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin was on hand for New York's game against Philadelphia on Saturday.

Agudeo still has a lot of developing to do, but early indications are he will be a fantastic young striker and could prove to become the centerpiece of the US National Team in the future. He may even become the first big-time striker from the United States.