Middlesbrough Have Agreed the Permanent Transfer of Jonathan Woodgate

To many observers, Jonathan Woodgate is one of England's best centre-halves, worthy of challenging John Terry and Rio Ferdinand for a place in the national side when fully fit. But he will be spending the forseeable future in the relatively modest surroundings of the Riverside after Real Madrid confirmed that they have agreed his permanent transfer to Middlesbrough.

Woodgate joined Boro on a year-long loan from Madrid last summer, after which a transfer seemed a formality. But with three months of the season remaining, the Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will be delighted to have taken the impressive Woodgate out of the shop window.

"Real Madrid and Middlesbrough have today reached an agreement for the transfer of Jonathan Woodgate," said a statement on the Madrid website. "Real Madrid wants to wish Jonathan Woodgate the best personal and professional success in this new stage of his sporting career."