Former Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen is delighted to see the club sign Fulham centre-half Chris Smalling.
The England Under-21 defender is back at Craven Cottage until the summer and will become a Reds player for next season.
McQueen knows all about Smalling's qualities - he recommended him to Middlesbrough when scouting for the Riverside club.
"Chris went to Middlesbrough and had agreed to sign when Fulham came in late and he decided he'd be homesick on Teesside," the Scot told the Manchester Evening News.
"He's got a bit to learn and is one for the future. He is a tremendous prospect. He is very much in the Rio Ferdinand mould.
"He has all the attributes to make it to the very, very top because he is mobile, quick and athletic."