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January 27, 2003
(Monday)
Newcastle close in
on Woodgate
Newcastle have made
an official bid to sign Leeds defender Jonathan
Woodgate, according to reports.
Sir Bobby Robson has admitted he is keen to bring the England player
to St James' Park.
And Leeds reportedly held a board meeting to discuss the offer before
Saturday's FA Cup tie at Gillingham.
The deal would be worth an initial £7m to Leeds, rising to £10m based
on appearances, according to the Sunday People.
"Woodgate is a player I like," Robson told the SP.
"I like what he can do on the park and that is why I have gone for
him.
"He fits the bill for what we are after at Newcastle.
"Hopefully next season we will be back in the Champions League and we
need a stronger squad to do that."
Robson also revealed that he has not given up hope of signing Brazil
international Kleberson from Atletico Paranaense.
"If we can get Woodgate and Kleberson you will have seen how
motivated this club is and what our intentions are," said the former
England boss.
Leeds manager Terry Venables told his News of the World column that
Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale has said he will do his best to
keep Woodgate.
Veanbles added: "We shouldn't sell Woodgate, we shouldn't sell any
more first-team players.
"I've thought about this a lot and I've made my stance clear to the
directors.
"If it gets me in trouble, so be it. I am here to put out the best
team I possibly can and there are times when I feel hampered in doing
that job"
Next article:
Woodgate: It's in the balance
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Toon play it tough over Woodgate deal
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