Robson: Real offer for Woodgate too much to turn down

BOBBY ROBSON last night conceded that Newcastle could not turn down the £13.4m offered by Real Madrid for Jonathan Woodgate.

Robson maintained he did not want to sell the player but was resigned to the England defender’s departure.

“At his best, Jonathan Woodgate is the best centre half in the country. I’m not interested in profit. But it’s a huge offer, which we have to consider. I don’t want to lose him, but it’s a huge sum of money. It’s also a huge opportunity for him. Do we deny him that? There’s a moral issue here.”

It is understood that Woodgate’s representatives will arrive in Madrid today to discuss personal terms for the transfer of the 24-year-old.

The club is hoping to negotiate a four-year contract which will pay Woodgate between £70-£80,000 a week. Woodgate will also undergo a medical.

Robson added: “He’s got 10 years to give somebody. There’s not one person at this club who’d be happy to see him go. But he may decide he doesn’t want to move, he may fail his medical. It’s a bush fire. We’re just waiting for the story to develop.”

But while Woodgate was on his way out of St James’, Dyer was attempting to ensure he did not follow his team-mate through the exit door.Dyer issued an apology yesterday to Robson after he snubbed the manager’s request for him to line up on the right in the opening match of the season against Middlesbrough.

Asked if he had a future at Newcastle, Robson said: “Yes he does. The boy wasn’t right, but he made a mistake. He is sorry, he’s apologised, end of the matter. He’s a fine player, people forgive and forget.”