Smalling's off to United

Mike McGrath

Fulham centre-back Chris Smalling headed straight for a medical at Manchester United after last night's 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane.

The 20-year-old, who was playing non-league football with Maidstone United less than two years ago, has also interested Arsenal but a deal has been agreed with United for him to join them at the end of the season.

There are still stages of the transfer to be completed but Fulham boss Roy Hodgson insisted: "There is no doubt in my mind he's going to United. Terms have been agreed, he's going for a medical and will sign for them, and will join them from next season."

Smalling performed well against Spurs but could not prevent Peter Crouch opening the scoring before the break and David Bentley wrapping up victory with a free-kick that deflected in off Bjorn Helge Riise.

After shining in the reserves, Hodgson handed him his senior debut on the final day of the 2008-09 season. His first start came in September 2009 when Fulham travelled to CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Cup, where he played the entire 1-1 draw. At the time Hodgson said: "He played with a maturity I'm not entitled to expect from a player so young."