Keegan rules Magpies out of Woodgate hunt

Manager Kevin Keegan has told Sky Sports News he is “almost certain” Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate will not join Newcastle.

It comes after Boro manager Gareth Southgate confirmed after his side’s 2-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory at Mansfield that the England international has been allowed to talk to Newcastle and Tottenham.

It was said Newcastle had agreed a fee in the region of £8m with their derby rivals in talks which took place today.

The former England manager, speaking after his team's 3-0 FA Cup fourth round defeat at Arsenal, continued: "I'm almost certain he's going to move somewhere else - it looks like we've lost him and I'm very disappointed.

“You cast your bait on the end of the line. Sometimes you catch the fish and sometimes you don’t.

“But it doesn’t look like he’s going to come.”

Earlier Boro boss Gareth Southgate confirmed after his side’s 2-0 victory at Mansfield that the England international had been allowed to talk to both clubs.

Newcastle had agreed a fee in the region of £8m with their derby rivals for the 28-year-old, who used to play at St James’ Park – and it is understood talks were taking place today.

Southgate said: “The latest is that we have given him permission to speak to Newcastle and to Tottenham.

“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.”

Speculation has been rife for days over Woodgate’s future, with Spurs’ interest emerging in the wake of speculation the Magpies were ready to make their move.

Southgate insisted yesterday he does not have to sell any of his players, and admitted he would only consider letting any of them leave if he already had enough cover or a target lined up.

“We have got strength in the centre-half areas that’s for sure, but it’s most importantly about what Jonathan’s feelings are,” Southgate said.

“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.”

Asked if he had spoken to Woodgate about his future, the manager said: “I have done that throughout the season. I have had plenty of conversations with him.

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