Last Updated: Wed, 07 May 2008 11:58
Maidstone's England Under-18 international defender Chris Smalling has joined Middlesbrough on a two-year contract.
The highly-rated central defender has impressed Boro scouts in recent months and convinced the club to hand the youngster an opportunity to forge out a professional career at the Premier League outfit.
Smalling will quit Ryman Premier League side Maidstone to join Boro on July 1, and Academy manager Dave Parnaby told the club's official website: "We tracked Chris through his international programme with England, and a member of our recruitment staff forwarded very favourable reports from his performances with both England and Maidstone.
"I am very happy to announce that Chris has agreed a two-year contract with Middlesbrough FC.
"He is a very intelligent and level-headed young man who we feel has a lot of potential to fulfil. We look forward to him joining us in July for pre-season training."