Former Leeds and Newcastle defender linked with Middlesbrough return
Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray has targeted Tottenham Hotspur's England defender Jonathan Woodgate as a loan replacement for David Wheater should the club sell the player to a Premier League club in January.
Woodgate has been made available for loan by manager Harry Redknapp as he enters the next stage of his recovery following long term injury.
There will be no shortage of takers for the player who is two weeks away from his latest playing return but Mowbray knows that being his home town club they may be able to compete with top level approaches.
Woodgate joined Middlesbrough on loan from Real Madrid in August 2006 and played 30 times before making a £7million permanent move a year later, signing a four year deal extending his stay until June 2011. After sustaining injury in pre-season, David Wheater emerged through the ranks and the after another 16 appearances Boro sold Woodgate o Tottenham for £7million in January 2008.
Other clubs will be interested in signing Woodgate but a return to Riverside where he enjoyed some great form and enjoyed some of best injury free times of late could appeal.
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