Middlesbrough Football Club

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35049

Boro rule out Woody exit

21 Dec 2006 - 09:34:48

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Middlesbrough have dismissed claims that Jonathan Woodgate will return to Real Madrid next month.

Reports suggested the former Leeds United and Newcastle United star, who is currently on loan at the Riverside Stadium, is wanted back by Real, who slumped to a shock 3-0 home defeat to Huelva on Wednesday.

But a Boro spokesman told the club's official website: "There is simply no issue.

"Jonathan will remain on loan with us until the end of the season. The rumours are nothing more than scaremongering by someone in the media."

Woodgate is expected to be fit enough to return to action in the vital relegation six-pointer against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

He missed Monday's defeat at Fulham with an ankle injury and has made 13 appearances for Gareth Southgate's side so far this season.