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Chelsea missed chance to sign Chris Smalling for free reveals former boss
Blues allowed promising centre-back to slip through the net...
31 Jan 2010 10:35:00
By Gill Clark
Premier League leaders Chelsea could have signed Manchester United-bound Chris Smalling for free, according to the defender’s former manager Alan Walker.
The Fulham man signed a four-year deal with the champions last week and is set to move to Old Trafford in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £7 million.
However, according to Walker - who managed Smalling during his time at Maidstone - he could have been snapped up by Chelsea for nothing yet the Blues decided against making a move.
"Chris [Smalling] was available on a free transfer because he was never under contract with us,” Walker revealed to the Sunday People.
"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."
Smalling subsequently moved to Craven Cottage, but Walker admitted he was delighted to see him secure his dream move to Old Trafford.
“I'm delighted Sir Alex Ferguson has signed him because I am a United fan,” he added.
“The Ryman League is a tough place to learn your football. Most of the players are ex-pros, but as soon as Chris started to play for our reserves as an 18-year-old it was so obvious he had to be in the first team.”
The 6ft 3ins Smalling has played a handful of games for Fulham this season, after being handed his debut against Everton in May 2009.
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The Fulham man signed a four-year deal with the champions last week and is set to move to Old Trafford in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £7 million.
However, according to Walker - who managed Smalling during his time at Maidstone - he could have been snapped up by Chelsea for nothing yet the Blues decided against making a move.
"Chris [Smalling] was available on a free transfer because he was never under contract with us,” Walker revealed to the Sunday People.
"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."
Smalling subsequently moved to Craven Cottage, but Walker admitted he was delighted to see him secure his dream move to Old Trafford.
“I'm delighted Sir Alex Ferguson has signed him because I am a United fan,” he added.
“The Ryman League is a tough place to learn your football. Most of the players are ex-pros, but as soon as Chris started to play for our reserves as an 18-year-old it was so obvious he had to be in the first team.”
The 6ft 3ins Smalling has played a handful of games for Fulham this season, after being handed his debut against Everton in May 2009.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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