Manchester United beat Arsenal to signing of Fulham's Chris Smalling

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Fulham's highly rated centre-back Chris Smalling. The 20-year-old had also been the subject of interest from Arsenal but he will now join Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the end of the season. The England Under-21 international, who has made just nine first-team appearances for the Cottagers, is thought to be valued at £7m. The switch to Old Trafford will complete a rapid rise to prominence for Smalling, who was playing non-league football with Maidstone two years ago. "Manchester United have agreed terms for the transfer of Chris Smalling from Fulham," said a spokesman. "Chris has agreed personal terms with the club and will join for the beginning of the 2010-11 campaign. He will remain at Fulham until the end of the current season." Earlier in the day the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, had cast doubt on whether the transfer was a done deal, but admitted: "Manchester United offered more money than us". The fee paid by United has not been disclosed.