Smalling completes United switch

Manchester United on Thursday completed the signing of highly-rated Fulham defender Chris Smalling on a four-year deal, the English champions announced.

The 20-year-old, who only two years ago was playing non-league football, completed his medical and will move to Old Trafford in July.

“Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months,” said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

“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.”

Smalling said: “Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me.

“My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff.

“But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down.”