Southgate: Woodgate can go

Jonathan Woodgate has been allowed to speak to Tottenham and Newcastle after both clubs made a request to talk to the Middlesbrough defender. Southgate has confirmed that the player would be allowed to leave the club.

"The latest is that we have given him permission to speak to Newcastle and to Tottenham," said Southgate, talking after Boro's 2-0 FA Cup win over Mansfield.

"I think a fee is agreed with Newcastle, but I don't know if a fee is agreed with Tottenham.

"He has got a decision to make, whether he wants to be part of what we are doing or whether he wants to move on somewhere else.

"We have got strength in the centre-half areas that's for sure, but it's most importantly about what Jonathan's feelings are.

"If he wants to be part of what we are doing, then fantastic, and we are delighted to have him with us.

"If he feels it's the right thing to move on, then he goes with our best wishes.

"He has got the opportunity now to make the decision he wants to make."