Madrid swoop for Woodgate

Four-year deal
Woodgate passed a medical in the Spanish capital this morning, having agreed a contract for the next four years with the option of a fifth season. The 24-year-old joins fellow English internationals David Beckham and Michael Owen at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Defensive reinforcements
Madrid have now signed two centre-backs this summer, Woodgate's arrival following that of Argentinian international Walter Samuel from AS Roma. These reinforcements should allow Iván Helguera to leave the defensive position he occupied last season and return to a midfield holding role.

Injury worries
Woodgate, who joined Newcastle from Leeds United AFC in January 2003 for just under €12m, played only 28 league games in 18 months for Sir Bobby Robson's side because of a succession of injuries and is presently recovering from a thigh problem. He has been capped five times by England.