Keegan targets Woodgate

New Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is targeting Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate. The England international is one of Keegan's top priorities on his shortlist.

The new Newcastle boss has been linked with a improbable list of potential targets since his installation last Wednesday evening, but is understood to be preparing to lure a man who already knows all about St James’ Park back to Tyneside.

Middlesbrough-born Woodgate, who celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday, agreed a £7million permanent switch to the Riverside Stadium from Real Madrid towards the end of last season after a hugely successful campaign on loan from the Bernabeu.

He signed a four-year deal after regaining his best form - and briefly, his England place - the result of a sustained run of fitness, something which had deserted him both during his previous spell at Newcastle and with Real.