Rio de Janeiro, Aug 29 (IANS): US footballer Freddy Adu has launched legal action against his former Brazilian club Bahia over alleged unpaid wages.

The 25-year-old former child prodigy is suing the Brazilian outfit for $220,000, according to documents lodged with a court in the northeastern city of Salvador, reports Xinhua.

Adu also claims his contract was not formally terminated and that the club failed to contribute pension payments as required by Brazilian law.

Bahia officials have not denied the claims and are understood to be attempting to reach an out-of-court settlement.

It is not the first time Bahia have been involved in a high-profile salary dispute.

The club is reportedly still paying off outstanding wages to Brazil 2002 World Cup winner and former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson.

Adu joined Bahia on a one-year deal from Philadelphia Union in March 2013.

But he played just 130 minutes in seven matches before leaving the club by mutual consent.

As a teenager Adu was dubbed the next Pele, reportedly drawing interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid. But he never met those expectations and has not represented the US national team since 2011.

Adu signed an 18-month deal with Serbia's Jagodina last month.