Pitmans SK Sport & Entertainment solicitor Tina Hardwick represented professional football player Chris Smalling on his £7million transfer to Manchester United FC from Fulham FC, in what is the biggest deal in this year’s January transfer window for premier league football.

Manchester United FC have confirmed that Smalling will join the club on a four-year contract this summer following a successful medical. Manchester United won the race to land the highly-rated defender after edging out arch-rivals Arsenal who had also been chasing the 20 year old.

The England Under-21 international started his career at Maidstone United in the Ryman Premier League, before joining Fulham in March 2008.

Smalling commented: “Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me, the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down. I am excited about working with Sir Alex and the fantastic players in his squad.”

Tina Hardwick, Pitmans added: “I was delighted to act for Chris and be involved in one of the largest deals in this years’ transfer window. Chris is a very talented individual and this is proven when the two top premiership teams both felt he would make an impact on their club. I wish him all the success for this new chapter in his premiership career.”