Magpies dismiss Woodgate reports

Newcastle today moved to play down suggestions defender Jonathan Woodgate could return to the club from Real Madrid.

Reports claimed the England defender, who made 36 appearances for the Magpies before sealing a £13.4m (€19.5m) move to the Bernabeu Stadium in August 2004, could return to St James’ Park as the Spanish aristocrats re-shape their squad in the summer.

“The stories in the morning papers certainly came as a surprise to us,” a spokesman told the club’s official website, www.nufc.co.uk.

“Jonathan looks to be enjoying his time in Spain, and we certainly haven’t heard anything from Real Madrid, so it would seem the reports are just speculation.

“He is someone who was very popular with staff and fans alike during his time at Newcastle, and as a person, he’s always welcome any time he wants to visit St James’.”