by account deleted by request » Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:01 pm
Madrid say Woodgate sold to Boro
Woodgate has been at Middlesbrough since summer 2006
Real Madrid have announced they have reached an agreement with Middlesbrough over the transfer of England defender Jonathan Woodgate.
Woodgate, 27, joined Middlesbrough on a year-long loan from Madrid in summer 2006 and Real said the two clubs have agreed to make the switch permanent.
Boro, however, are yet to confirm whether Woodgate's future is secure.
The defender has been in good form this season and Middlesbrough are understood to be keen to agree a permanent deal.
Media and communications manager Dave Allan said: "We have been absolutely delighted with the way Jonathan has played for us this season. He seems happy to be back home.
"We are certainly happy with him - very happy - and we hope the feeling is shared equally between us and Jonathan."
Woodgate was on England duty following his return to the national squad when the news broke, although he missed training as he recovered from Saturday's hard-fought 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
The player has flourished at the Riverside this season after an injury-time in Spain, where he made just nine league appearances in two years after joining from Newcastle for £13.4m in 2004.
Such has been Woodgate's success at his home-town club during the current campaign, he was on Friday recalled to the England squad for this week's friendly against Spain.
If he plays at Old Trafford on Wednesday, it will be the centre-back's first cap since facing Sweden in March 2004.
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I can't help feeling we missed an opportunity with Woodgate. I know he is injury prone and possibly racist? but he is also one of the best defenders in the league.