Manchester United announced on Thursday that highly-rated Fulham defender Chris Smalling has agreed terms and passed a medical examination.
The 20-year-old will move to Old Trafford in July on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
It completes a meteoric rise for Smalling. In the space of 18 months, he has gone from playing non-League football with Maidstone United to representing his country at under-21 level and agreeing personal terms with the English champions, despite having made only one league start for Fulham.
"My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff," Smalling told United's official website.
"But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down. I’m excited about working with Sir Alex Ferguson and the fantastic players in the squad.
"I’ve played a few times in the Europa League this year, but the thought of making the step up to the Champions League next year is great. I can’t wait."
Ferguson added: "Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months.
"He is very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we are delighted to have secured his signature."
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The 20-year-old will move to Old Trafford in July on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
It completes a meteoric rise for Smalling. In the space of 18 months, he has gone from playing non-League football with Maidstone United to representing his country at under-21 level and agreeing personal terms with the English champions, despite having made only one league start for Fulham.
"My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff," Smalling told United's official website.
"But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down. I’m excited about working with Sir Alex Ferguson and the fantastic players in the squad.
"I’ve played a few times in the Europa League this year, but the thought of making the step up to the Champions League next year is great. I can’t wait."
Ferguson added: "Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months.
"He is very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we are delighted to have secured his signature."
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