The 20-year-old completed his medical with the Old Trafford outfit on Thursday and will link up with the Red Devils from July 2010 on a four-year contract from Fulham.

The deal completes a meteoric rise for the England Under-21 star, who only two years ago was playing non-league football with Maidstone.

And it could have all been different for Smalling, with Chelsea passing up the opportunity to sign him.

Maidstone boss Alan Walker told the Sunday People: "Chris was available on a free transfer because he was never under contract with us.

"A lot of clubs showed interest and Chelsea actually had him on trial and he played in a friendly match for them.

"But it was only Middlesbrough and Fulham who made offers to Chris and he chose Fulham."