Soccer Transfer News:Manchester United have agreed to sign young Fulham defender Chris Smalling at the start of next season, while Blackburn have agreed a fee with West Ham for South Africa striker Benni McCarthy.
"Chris has agreed personal terms with the club and will join for the beginning of the 2010-2011 campaign. He will remain at Fulham until the end of the current season," said a statement on the Manchester United website (www.manutd.com).
No further details regarding the transfer were released.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had also hoped to sign the promising England Under-21 defender.
Smalling (20) has caught the eye of the leading Premier League teams after solid performances for the Cottagers, who rate the centre-back at around €8million having plucked him from Maidstone.
Wenger also rejected suggestions he was set to move for Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
He said: “We are not after any striker at the moment.”
The Gunners boss is, though, ready to release teenage midfielder Jack Wilshere on loan to get some regular first-team football.
“We have interests now from a few Premier League teams, it will be decided today or tomorrow,” Wenger said.
“Burnley is an opportunity.
“At the end of the day, Wilshere will have his word to say, because he needs to decide where he likes to go.”
Blackburn agree fee for McCarthy
Blackburn have agreed a fee with West Ham for South Africa striker Benni McCarthy.
The clubs have reached agreement over the transfer fee but are still negotiating over a couple of other issues.
McCarthy has infuriated Rovers by staying away from training for the last three days in order to try to force a move through.
Gardner completes Birmingham switch
Birmingham have completed the €3.4m signing of midfielder Craig Gardner from local rivals Aston Villa.
The former England Under-21 international makes the switch across the city after 79 appearances for Villa and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.
He had found first-team opportunities limited under Martin O'Neill this season and becomes Alex McLeish's second signing of the current transfer window following former Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.
McLeish admits he is also targeting a striker and wide midfield player before the transfer window closes.
McLeish said: "Are any other deals close to being completed? There is nothing close but we are trying a couple of things.