Boro close in on Woody

Jonathan Woodgate: Expected to finalise a move back to The Riverside

Middlesbrough have confirmed they are hoping to bring former England defender Jonathan Woodgate back to The Riverside.

Sky Sports revealed on Thursday that Boro were in talks with Woodgate about a deal, and the Championship club have now announced on their official website that a move is close.

The 32-year-old is a free agent after playing for Stoke last season and Boro are keen to complete a transfer, although he will first need to undergo a medical.

Woodgate enjoyed a successful stint on Teesside earlier in his career, joining on an initial loan deal in 2006 before making the move permanent a year later.

Boro paid Real Madrid £7million for Woodgate before eventually selling him on to Tottenham for £8m in January 2008.

The former Leeds youngster has commanded in excess of £35m in transfer fees despite suffering an injury-stricken career.

He remains a highly-respected centre-back and Tony Mowbray will be delighted if he can finalise a deal to bring Woodgate back to his hometown club.