Fulham starlet Chris Smalling has been snapped up by Manchester United, having agreed to join the Premier League champions in the summer.

Smalling, 20, was playing non-league football for Maidstone until 2008 and only one of his league appearances for Fulham has been in the starting XI.

He made his first-team debut for Fulham on the final day of last season, and his first start came in the Europa League clash at CSKA Sofia in September.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson praised the youngster after he impressed in an FA Cup victory over Swindon Town earlier this month, saying he was not surprised by his smooth transition from non-league football.

“He did well again, and he is doing well for us,” said the veteran manager.

“The Swindon game suited him as they passed the ball well enough and there were lots of balls coming into the box in the air.

"This was the type of game we expect him to be good in, and he was pretty much fault-free throughout. He’s good on the ground as well.

“He’s a 20-year-old and I’m keeping his feet on the ground.”