Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says there was no chance of preventing Chris Smalling from joining Manchester United.
Smalling is believed to be in Manchester today for a medical and could even stay to take in the Carling Cup semifinal.
"The club has accepted an offer from Manchester United and as far as I know that is where he is going to be going," Hodgson told Sky Sports.
Asked if Arsenal had also agreed a fee with Fulham, Hodgson replied: "You will have to ask (chief executive) Alistair Mackintosh about that, I don't know anything about that.
"I knew from some time ago that Manchester United had made the offer and as far as I know terms have been agreed and as far as I know he is going for a medical tomorrow (today) and will be a Manchester United player next season."
Hodgson admits he will be sad to lose Smalling to United in the summer as he believes the 20-year-old, who started against Spurs, has the potential to become a fantastic player.
"It's disappointing because we're losing a great talent who has a very exciting future and I would have loved him to play in a Fulham shirt," said Hodgson.
"But when United come calling it's not that easy to stand in a player's way.
"I've got to congratulate Alex (Ferguson). He'll (Smalling) go on to do great things for Man United and it's a pity I'll be watching him do it for them and not Fulham."
Read tribalfootball.com's interview with Chris Smalling on moving from the non-league to Fulham