Jonathan Woodgate who has played just 16 times for Middlesbrough this season is in talks with Newcastle after their £7m bid for the defender was accepted by Middlesbrough.

Woodgate left Newcastle in 2004 to join Real Madrid, looks set for a return to the club having reportedly turned down a move to Tottenham.

Woodgate joined his hometown club Middlesbrough for £7m from Real Madrid last summer.

Boro need not worry about his departure too much as they do have players competing for places in defence, such as with David Wheater, Robert Huth, Emanuel Pogatetz and Matthew Bates.

Middlesbrough take on Mansfield today in the FA cup but Woodgate, 28, was not included in Middlesbrough's squad.

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Posted by: Crouchy