Woodgate, 26, held talks at the Riverside on Sunday, then moved on to his former club Newcastle later that day. This is more than just two sides chasing the same player, but obviously has the added spice of two locals supporters gaining an edge of who is the "top dog" in the north-east. In other words, who does Woodgate see as the bigger of the two.
It goes without saying, Newcastle have twice the fan base of the Smoggies; more loyal supporters; a better ground; and arguably a better team. But imagine the slur if Woody picked Boro? Would we live it down?
Boro's defensive problems are just as bad as ours, as was highlighted on Monday when the Smogs slumped to a 4-0 home defeat by Portsmouth.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate: "Hopefully he hasn't had the television on while he's thinking about it. But we should know something within the next 24 hours."
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.
The England defender signed for Real in a £13.4m deal in August 2004, but has played just 14 games in two years.