Fees agreed for Woodgate
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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed they've agreed a fee with Real Madrid for defender Jonathan Woodgate.
Woodgate, 26, is on a season-long loan from the Bernabeu to Middlesbrough.
Within two games he is already looking like a class act and that is why Southgate will do everything to make sure he never goes back to Spain.
Boss Southgate said: "We have a fee agreed with Real Madrid to take him. Now our job is to encourage him to stay with us.
"The fans have shown how much they think of him already.
"Now we have to prove we can give him what he wants, develop him as a player and build a team that can show there is a bright future at Middlesbrough."
Boro have not conceded a goal in open play since Woodgate's arrival. Arsenal only netted against them with a penalty.
And on Saturday Bolton had enough possession but just could not get past man-of-the-match Woodgate and his defence.
Southgate said: "Jonathan has a presence that filters through the side. I sensed his desire immediately.
"It is great to have someone come from the club he has and set the example he does.
"I know he was disappointed not to prove himself over there. But he is still as good a centre-back as any around."
Woodgate already seems to have settled back in his home town.
He said: "I am definitely here for the year whatever happens and then we will see.
"Right now I don't know."
What about an England recall?
He said: "Let's take our time here. I have only played for two games and not even thought about England. After 10 games then I might think about it."
Woodgate only played 14 games in his two years at Madrid. But the way he is playing makes it look like he has not missed a minute's football.
He said: "I find it easy coming back. You don't forget how to play football, like you don't forget how to ride a bike.
"A lot of defending is just about being organised and talking to people. If you communicate it makes it so much easier."
Woodgate, 26, is on a season-long loan from the Bernabeu to Middlesbrough.
Within two games he is already looking like a class act and that is why Southgate will do everything to make sure he never goes back to Spain.
Boss Southgate said: "We have a fee agreed with Real Madrid to take him. Now our job is to encourage him to stay with us.
"The fans have shown how much they think of him already.
"Now we have to prove we can give him what he wants, develop him as a player and build a team that can show there is a bright future at Middlesbrough."
Boro have not conceded a goal in open play since Woodgate's arrival. Arsenal only netted against them with a penalty.
And on Saturday Bolton had enough possession but just could not get past man-of-the-match Woodgate and his defence.
Southgate said: "Jonathan has a presence that filters through the side. I sensed his desire immediately.
"It is great to have someone come from the club he has and set the example he does.
"I know he was disappointed not to prove himself over there. But he is still as good a centre-back as any around."
Woodgate already seems to have settled back in his home town.
He said: "I am definitely here for the year whatever happens and then we will see.
"Right now I don't know."
What about an England recall?
He said: "Let's take our time here. I have only played for two games and not even thought about England. After 10 games then I might think about it."
Woodgate only played 14 games in his two years at Madrid. But the way he is playing makes it look like he has not missed a minute's football.
He said: "I find it easy coming back. You don't forget how to play football, like you don't forget how to ride a bike.
"A lot of defending is just about being organised and talking to people. If you communicate it makes it so much easier."
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