Middlesbrough bolster back line

Middlesbrough FC have reinforced their squad ahead of the closure of the transfer window by signing defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth.

Hometown club
Last season's UEFA Cup finalists have lost two of their opening three English Premiership matches, conceding eight goals and prompting manager Gareth Southgate to strengthen his back line. Real Madrid CF centre-half Woodgate, who was born in Middlesbrough, joins on a one-year loan with the option of a permanent four-year transfer having previously played for north-east rivals Newcastle United FC and been part of the Leeds United AFC side that reached the 2000/01 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The 26-year-old moved to Madrid in summer 2004 for €19.8m but a succession of thigh problems kept him sidelined throughout his first term in Spain and restricted him to nine Primera División appearances in 2005/06.

Huth move
German international Huth, meanwhile, was poised to switch to the Riverside stadium earlier in the summer but failed to pass a medical due to an ankle injury sustained while training for the FIFA World Cup finals. The 22-year-old centre-back has recovered sufficiently to sign a five-year contract, however, after Middlesbrough agreed a €8.9m fee with English champions Chelsea FC. Middlesbrough have also landed Charlton Athletic FC forward Jason Euell, 28, for a nominal amount.