is Chris Smalling worth £8m

[Wonderwall]

I cannot say either way as I should have entitled the thread "Who is Chris Smalling"? It is being reported that the rags have a bid of £8m accepted by Fulham but Arsenal are going to gazump them by offering the same as SMalling wants to stay down south.

Sky Sports News understands Fulham have accepted a bid from Manchester United for Chris Smalling.

The 20-year-old defender has become the subject of intense speculation during the January transfer window, with a number of clubs tracking his progress.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, a man renowned for nurturing young talent, had openly expressed his admiration for the talented centre-half.

The Gunners are, however, yet to show their hand, with Wenger favouring a cagey approach in his winter transfer business.

That appears to have opened the door to reigning Premier League champions United, with Sir Alex Ferguson keen to snap up Smalling as a potential star of the future.

The England Under 21 international has made rapid progress since joining Fulham from Maidstone in 2008, and made his first Premier League start against Chelsea on 28th December 2009.

The Cottagers had been keen to fend off interest in the youngster amid mounting speculation, and have not commented on United's reported offer, but they appear to have relented in their efforts to keep Smalling in the capital.

When asked about the bid, a Fulham spokesperson said: "Fulham has no comment to make on speculation surrounding Chris Smalling"

£8m is a lot of money for a kid who no-one knows about and is not even tested properly at the top level, making 1 start and 1 sub appearance in the premier league this year.

[Kyle]

If i'm thinking of the same person, he also has an own goal for fulham this year in his few apperances...

[Fidel Castro]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

[Mike J]

how are they allowed to buy anyone when their finances are in that state.

[Ted Hughes]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Ahh right. I can remember being impressed with a lad who fits that general description in Fulham's defence. Can't remember much else about what happened but an unlucky own goal sounds about right.

[CityFanFromRome]

If i'm thinking of the same person, he also has an own goal for fulham this year in his few apperances...

Against Chelsea, yes.

[Blue2]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

[Mase]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

[Fidel Castro]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

I thought it was only half-caste that is a no-no nowadays?

[Mase]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

I thought it was only half-caste that is a no-no nowadays?

If you're part Irish and part English you're mixed race. Nothing to do with your colour.

[Blue Blood]

He's signed for them apparently.

And no, no way worth 8 million. a massive gamble on bacon's part.

[Blue2]

Think we should bid £9m- just because we can.

[Ted Hughes]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

I thought it was only half-caste that is a no-no nowadays?

If you're part Irish and part English you're mixed race. Nothing to do with your colour.

How the fuck does that work? I'm English but all my Grandparents are from Irish & Scottish families. What race do I qualify as?

[salford city]

Another cut price replacement - they're spending the money from the Vidic deal already & this way, Vidic leaves and there's not a clamour to spend the cash as they've already done it. Overall, it weakens them once again

[blues-clues]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

I thought it was only half-caste that is a no-no nowadays?

If you're part Irish and part English you're mixed race. Nothing to do with your colour.

No that is incorrect.. English and Irish are nationalities. Race, heritage and ethnicity are not confined to or defined by nationality.

[Vhero]

He's signed for them apparently.

And no, no way worth 8 million. a massive gamble on bacon's part.

He's gotta gamble on these young lads now as he cannot afford talent and with Vidic going to balance the books in summer and maybe even Rooney he's getting desperate.

[Fidel Castro]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

I thought it was only half-caste that is a no-no nowadays?

If you're part Irish and part English you're mixed race. Nothing to do with your colour.

Since when is Irish or English a race?

[Bianchi on Ice]

If Smalling is a direct replacement for Vidic then it really is a mess over there. Five years ago, had cunt sold a player like Vidic, all, if not more of the cash would go towards a top class international. Now, its buy a young un (wheres your academy?) and hope hes the business, but even if he is, he's just being primed for a big money move three or four years down the line so the cycle can start all over again and they can poach some kid who cut the oranges for Barrow second XI. My heart bleeds, it really does. Smalling should have chosen Arsenal, he wont get treated like a piece of meat there.

[Wooders]

2 managers without what you would call an awful track record for signings youngsters are willing to pay 8 million for him. So maybe he is?

[Mase]

Only seen him against Chelsea, where he was outstanding. I think that was him anyway, really tall mixed-race kid?

Not allowed to say that anymore - its Dual heritage

I thought it was only half-caste that is a no-no nowadays?

If you're part Irish and part English you're mixed race. Nothing to do with your colour.

Since when is Irish or English a race?

So when people refer to the 'human race' they are talking about colour are they?
If someone was to state "I hate Welsh people, the sheep shagging twats!!" they are not being racist?