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[img]http://images.sportinglife.com/07/10/330/JonathanWoodgate_579835.jpg[/img]NEWCASTLE SET TO LAUNCH WOODGATE BID
Kevin Keegan is ready to test Middlesbrough's resolve to hang on to England international Jonathan Woodgate.
Thenew Newcastle boss has been linked with a improbable list of potentialtargets since his installation last Wednesday evening, but isunderstood to be preparing to lure a man who already knows all about StJames' Park back to Tyneside.
Middlesbrough-born Woodgate, whocelebrated his 28th birthday yesterday, agreed a �7million permanentswitch to the Riverside Stadium from Real Madrid towards the end oflast season after a hugely successful campaign on loan from theBernabeu.
He signed a four-year deal after regaining his bestform - and briefly, his England place - the result of a sustained runof fitness, something which had deserted him both during his previousspell at Newcastle and with Real.
However, the Magpies, whosedefensive need remains as pressing as ever despite the attempts ofsuccessive managers to address the situation, are preparing to turn tohim once again.
Keegan, whose scouting staff are currentlybattling against the clock to identify targets before the Januarytransfer window closes, handed Woodgate his senior international debutagainst Bulgaria back in 1999.
He could be prepared to usestriker Shola Ameobi as a makeweight in any deal to secure thedefender's return, although he knows he will face a fight to prise himfrom Boro boss Gareth Southgate's grasp.
Southgate is currentlyattempting to strengthen his own squad - Ameobi is a player whosesituation he has monitored, although Heerenveen's Afonso Alves is amuch higher-profile target.
The former England defender, whoplayed alongside Woodgate when he made his international bow, has beentold by chairman Steve Gibson that he does not need to sell any of hisbig-name players.
Tottenham's dogged pursuit of winger StewartDowning has so far been rebuffed, and there is little doubt anyapproach for Woodgate would have to be too good to ignore before themanager could even consider it.
However, Southgate freely admitsthat every player has his price, a fact which was proved when Evertoncame calling with a cheque for �11.25million for Ayegbeni Yakubu.
Inaddition, a series of niggling injuries - he underwent knee surgeryduring the summer and has been sidelined by a succession of muscleproblems - have interrupted Woodgate's season.
With DavidWheater having emerged as a genuine Barclays Premier League player and�6million signing Robert Huth now fully fit, Boro have options at theback.
But there is little doubt Newcastle owner Mike Ashleywould have to dig deep to make the Teessiders even contemplate thepossibility of allowing Woodgate to leave.
The former Leedsplayer originally arrived at St James' in a �9million switch fromElland Road in January 2003 and looked a class act until injuries tooktheir toll.
Then manager Sir Bobby Robson thought he had finallyfound the solution to the club's problems at the back, and it was amajor surprise when Real staged a �13.4million swoop to take him toSpain in October 2005.
However, the thigh problem with which helanded in Madrid limited him to just a handful of appearances for theclub, and Fabio Capello's arrival as manager ultimately paved the wayfor his departure.
While Keegan may have to go to the wire if helaunches a bid for Woodgate, he will hope his former Boro team-mateMark Viduka will be fit for a daunting double-header with Arsenal.
The32-year-old striker missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Bolton with a calfinjury sustained in training the previous day, leaving the manager withjust 11 fit senior players.
Alan Smith and Nicky Butt will beavailable after suspension for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round trip tothe Emirates Stadium, which will be followed four days later by areturn in the league.
And there is an outside chance that JoeyBarton, currently on bail after being charged with assault and affray,could figure this weekend with the conditions on his release fromcustody meaning has to be back at the Sporting Chance clinic inHampshire by 7pm every night.
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