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The surprising deal came as the north London club are finally springing into action with less than a week to go before the end of the winter transfer window.

Woodgate was given permission to speak to Tottenham after they matched the fee that Boro paid Real Madrid for the 28-year-old last summer.

Juande Ramos made bolstering his defence the priority in January and was linked to several star names, but Woodgate's has not been mentioned before the news that a dela has been virtually done.

Boro boss, Gareth Southgate, wanted the England international's future to be resolved as he will still have time to find a replacement with the windfall.

Tottenham are also said to be close to securing the services of Tiago from Juventus, but differences over the player's wage demands have halted the deal.

While Tiago has been the name in the spotlight, it is believed that Ramos' favourite to fill the midfield holding role is Valencia's David Albelda.

source:goal.com