Woodgate joins Middlesbrough on 14 million dollar contract

LONDON, Apr 26 (Reuters) Middlesbrough confirmed the permanent signing of England defender Jonathan Woodgate for 13.99 million dollar from Real Madrid today.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season at his hometown club on loan from Real where he spent two injury-prone years having moved to Spain from Newcastle Untied for 13.4 million pounds. He has signed a four-year contract with Middlesbrough.

''It's a real boost for us, not only for now but in terms of planning for next season,'' Boro manager Gareth Southgate told a news conference at the club's Riverside Stadium.

''The opportunity to bring in a player of this quality does not happen very often. We said when he signed on loan that it was a coup but to get him now on a permanent basis is massive for this club.

''He's shown us this season that he's as good as there is in the Premier League and that's not something I say lightly,'' added the former England centre back.

Middlesbrough are 14th in the Premier League with three games left in the season.

REUTERS BJR RN1926