Woodgate, 26, held talks at the Riverside on Sunday, then moved on to his former club Newcastle later that day.
What Boro can offer that Newcastle can't, is a bit worrying. But this must be a bitter blow to Glenn Roeder, even though many fans know only too well that player has never played a full season without injury in his career. And 14 games in two years is Kieron Dyer material.
Woodgate wants a season back in the Premiership to get his fitness right for this Real Madrid career that has failed to take off due to an injury nightmare that has dogged him all of his time in football.
And MORE bad news for Toon fans, the former Boro skipper has again agreed terms with Chelsea's Robert Huth. Although the first deal during the summer fell through at the last minute, and Newcastle were ready to offer the Germany international a deal despite his failed a medical, Southgate is set to sign the 21-year-old Chelsea defender.