Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Leeds star Alan Smith. The England forward has put pen to paper on a five-year contract for a transfer fee of £7 million.
Smith, who is on standby for England's Euro 2004 campaign, has attracted intense criticism over the move from Leeds fans who have condemned their former hero for joining their fiercest rivals.
Leeds receive an immediate £6million from their bitter rivals for Smith, with the balance reflected in the savings made by the Whites on the player's signing-on fees and other associated considerations.
Smith has agreed to waive his signing-on fee as a sign of goodwill, with the club also confirming no agents' fees have been incurred.
Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner said: "We are beginning a major programme of rebuilding and restructuring at Leeds and we both believe his immediate future in football lies away from Elland Road. "We know the feelings he has for our club and supporters and what it means to him to leave the no 17 shirt behind. We thank him for his service to Leeds and wish him well in his future career."
Filed by Barry McEneaney
