There’s an interesting suggestion on this Arsenal blog that Manchester United are determined to make up for missing out on Aaron Ramsey by snaring Chris Smalling. Whilst that maybe true, the most illuminating thing is a revealing picture of a young Smalling at Maidstone United.

Arsene Wenger isn’t ready to admit defeat on Smalling, however. In his press conference, he’s just said:

It looks as if Manchester United have offered more money, it doesn’t mean it’s the end.

The one winner in all this? Fulham. A bidding war would give Fulham a chance of getting an increased fee for their young centre back and the funds to buy an effective replacement.