Smalling completes switch to United as Arsenal lose out on Fulham defender

26 January 2010 19:38
Rapid rise: Cottagers defender Smalling[LNB]Manchester United are on the verge of completing their swoop for Chris Smalling from Fulham.[LNB]The Cottagers accepted a bid from the Premier League leaders for the £8million-rated defender.[LNB]He is set to join United at the end of the season.[LNB]United have pipped Arsenal to Smalling's signature after the Gunners were weighing up a move.[LNB]A United spokesperson said: 'Manchester United has agreed terms for the transfer of Chris Smalling from Fulham.[LNB]'Chris has agreed personal terms with the club and will join for the beginning of the 2010/2011 campaign. He will remain at Fulham until the end of the current season.'[LNB]The 20-year-old, who was playing for Maidstone United in the Ryman Premier League before joining Fulham in March 2008, made his first start for the Cottagers last month and has broken in to England Under 21s.[LNB]Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was keen to snap up Smalling to initially act as cover for William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen.[LNB]Chris who? From non-league to England Under 21s, Smalling is making a name for himselfWenger had earlier not given up hope of completing a deal for Smalling despite United taking pole position.[LNB] 'It just looks like Manchester United offered more money than us, but as long as the player has not signed anywhere it is not the end of it,' he said.[LNB] Speculation: Vidic has been linked with a move to La Liga[LNB] Smalling is regarded as one for the future but United made theirmove as doubts persist over Rio Ferdinand's long-term fitness whilefellow centre-half Nemanja Vidic is continually linked with a move toSpain.[LNB]Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said last week that Arsenal had yet to make an official approach for the player.[LNB]The deal could signal the end for United defender Nemanja Vidic, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford to Real Madrid or Barcelona.[LNB] Chris Smalling heading to Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson makes his move to beat Arsenal to Fulham defenderChris who? Non-league to Under 21s, Smalling is making a name for himselfSmalling chase hots up as Man United and Arsenal battle for Fulham defenderMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail