SMITH CAMP QUIET ON UNITED
Alan Smith´s representative has refused to comment on speculation suggesting that Manchester United had already won the race for his client´s signature.
Alex Black, who handles Smith, would only suggest that any deal will not be rushed through - as talks between the two sides appear to be heading to a conclusion.
The likes of Middlesbrough and Birmingham lodged early bids for the Yorkshire-born striker, while Newcastle and Liverpool monitored his situation.
Smith himself had stated that he would consider a move abroad, which promoted speculation of interest from Juventus and Valencia.
However, it now appears that United have entered the race and all but won it - with Smith being tipped to follow the path across the Pennines which has been taken most recently by Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand.
Black, though, would only say: " Nothing will be rushed, that is all we can say at this point."
Smith revealed last week that he would by happy to move to United, which seems to have confirmed to Sir Alex Ferguson his ambition and willingness to play at Old Trafford.