Stoke City have completed the free-signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Jonathan Woodgate.

The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal to move to the Britannia Stadium after his White Hart Lane contract expired.

The England international has struggled with injury throughout a career that has taken him from Leeds United, to Newcastle United and Real Madrid.

Woodgate made just four first-team appearances over the last two seasons at Tottenham due to a groin problem.

Speaking from the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria, manager Tony Pulis said:

“The lad is a top-class player and it’s been well documented that he has had his injury troubles, but we believe if his fitness is managed properly, he will play games for us.

“We know that other Premier League clubs were keen on signing Jonathan, so we are delighted he has chosen us.

“It’s a chance we are taking, but one we were keen to take because of the stature and quality of the player.

“We’ve effectively taken him on a pay-as-you-play deal which just shows how desperate the lad is to get his career back on the right track.”

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes added: “There is no doubt that we have acquired a player with outstanding quality and experience but he is one who has clearly struggled with injuries over the past two years.

“However, sometimes a fresh start can trigger a change of fortunes.

“Jonathan has been working very hard throughout the summer on his fitness so he is desperate to make the most of this opportunity and to play in the Premier League.”

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Stoke City have offered Tottenham Hotspur free-agent Jonathan Woodgate a contract to keep him in the Premier League.

The 31-year-old’s contract at Spurs expired last month and he refused to sign a pay-as-you-play deal to keep him in north London.

The England international will hold talks with Stoke boss Tony Pulis this week to thrash out personal terms, according to the Daily Mirror.

Woodgate has suffered from injury all throughout his career and has played only four times for Tottenham in the last two years.

But Pulis is ready to take a gamble on the Middlesbrough-born defender as he seeks to add more quality to his squad.

Leeds United are the only other club to take an interest in Woodgate and would love to take him back to where he started his career.

Stoke can offer Woodgate better personal terms than Leeds and satisfy his desire to carry on playing in the top flight.

Pulis is also reported to be closing in on a double swoop for Birmingham City pair Cameron Jerome and Scott Dann.

But Stoke face competition for Dann’s signature from both Liverpool and Arsenal, who are both in the market for a central defender.

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Instead of contemplating how to strengthen in preparation for a second season in the Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur are now steeling themselves for a summer clear-out while at the same time attempting to hang on to their prized asset Gareth Bale.

Following Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City that confirmed fourth place is beyond their reach, senior figures at the club met yesterday to reassess their current squad in the light of their disappointing end to the season.

Chairman Daniel Levy is determined to keep hold of Bale but will not sanction further spending on new recruits until there has been a clear-out of some other established stars to streamline the first-team squad and reduce the wage bill.

Levy wants to sell several high-profile players, including four who are currently out on loan – striker Robbie Keane, who is at West Ham, and midfielders Jamie O’Hara (at Wolverhampton Wanderers), Giovani dos Santos (at Racing Santander) and David Bentley (at Birmingham City).

Defender Jonathan Woodgate and goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini are both out of contract in the summer and are unlikely to be offered new deals.

Tottenham will also listen to offers for the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko, Niko Kranjcar, Alan Hutton, Vedran Corluka and Wilson Palacios.

SOURCE: Independent

Whilst this does look like one hell of a major cull, things may not be as bad as they seem. It is clear that Harry Redknapp has a massive Tottenham squad and failure to qualify for the Champions League will have a knock on effect on the club’s finances, but it is far more beneficial to remove under performing members of the squad rather than having to listen to offers for the club’s top stars.

The likes of Rafael Van der Vaart, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Sandro have all been strongly linked with interest from Europe’s elite and Redknapp has steadfastly held his ground by stating that none of those players would be sold, so clearly in order to not have to sell any of his important players, he knows he must cut a swathe of players from his squad that do not offer him a great deal.

Of those on this list from the Independent arguably only a handful would be missed. Those out on loan were clearly on the periphery and the likes of Keane and Giovani have stated their desire to move on. Pavlyuchenko is consistently linked with a move away from Tottenham and the Russian may feel that the time is right to leave after failing to convince Redknapp that he should be a first team regular.

Right backs Corluka and Hutton have shared duties this term but Redknapp has been linked with moves to bring in a new player for that position. Palacios looks a shadow of the player he was last term and Kranjcar, though talented, is not better than those ahead of him in the pecking order.

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With the Premier League season drawing to a close, managers are turning half an eye onto the transfer market and will be keen to snap up any deals.

Here at COS we thought they could do with a hand and highlighted 12 of the best bargain buys around.

However no list of the best free agents in England would be complete without a guess where they will be going.

Michael Owen

Injuries, and the emergence of Javier Hernandez, has seen Owen’s appearances restricted to seven games and only one goal this season. His short-term contract shows he would not have a long future at Old Trafford. United fans will be forever grateful for him scoring the winner in 4-3 victory over Manchester City.

Destination: Aston Villa

Sebastian Larsson

Since joining from Arsenal, Larsson has scored spectacular goals for Birmingham City and helped them to win the Carling Cup this season over his former side. If the Swede can ensure Alex McLeish’s side stay up  he will have done exactly what his manager has asked of him. Needs to prove himself on a European stage but may have to gamble to get their.

Destination: Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers

Owen Hargreaves

Has never fully recovered from a recurring patellar tendinitis problem. This may put off potential suitors. But as he is out of contract he may be worth a gamble. There are rumours Sir Alex Ferguson is contemplating a pay as you play contract for him and if the England international is good enough for the Scot, others are sure to want him.

Destination: Manchester United, Tottenham

Nigel Reo-coker

After his career stalled under Martin O’Neill at Villa Park, Reo-Coker has reestablished himself under Gerard Houllier. But injuries have restricted his game time this season. But Houllier has refused to open contract talks with any player until safety is guaranteed but Reo-Coker’s agent has already said there is interest in his client from abroad.

Destination: Sevilla, Real Sociedad

Paul Scholes

The inspirational Scholes is nearing the end of his career but that has not stopped Ferguson from offering the veteran a new deal. The only problem is does he have the desire to carry on. Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville have already gone to the pensioner’s home, and with Ryan Giggs not far behind. Perhaps Scholes sees it as time for new blood to take over.

Destination: Manchester United, retirement

Johan Elmander

The tall Swede has enjoyed his most successful season to date in England and itis unlikely to be his last. Newcastle made attempted to sign him in January after the loss of Andy Carroll to Liverpool and are likely to make another bid to sign him. Bolton manager Owen Coyle does not want to lose Elmander but he may have no choice.

Destination: Newcastle United

James McFadden

The Scotland international has helped Alex McLeish establish Birmingham City as a major Premier League side. But injuries have disrupted his season and he has seen himself dropped down the pecking order. A move back to Scotland is most likely but at 27 he is in his prime and would be a top addition to most squads.

Destination: Glasgow Rangers, Bolton Wanderers

Thomas Sorensen

The arrival of Asmir Begovic has seen the Dane become the number two at the Britannia Stadium. He was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich last year and that deal could be resurrected. Sorensen would prefer to stay in this country and Harry Redknapp is on the search for a replacement for Carlo Cudicini.

Destination: Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur

Jonathan Woodgate

The much-travelled defender could be on his way again this summer. Yet mnore injuries have disrupted his time at White Hart Lane. He is still a class performer when fit but any manager would have to take a gamble on his fitness. Scottish clubs are keeping an eye on him but a move to his former club could also be on the cards.

Destination: Glasgow Rangers, Newcastle United, Leeds United

Matthew Gilks

His injury problems have coincided with Blackpool’s descent down the Premier League. The Scotsman was attracting a lot of interest pre-injury and earned himself a call-up to the national squad. Needs to prove himself in the run-in to secure a deal at a top club, but will not be short of offers in the summer.

Destination: Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Robert Green

A year ago, he was his country’s number one in the World Cup. Now he is looking out for a new club. He has recovered well from his nightmare in South Africa. To regain his national place he would probably have to be playing European football but the top team’s in England are not looking for a goalkeeper. (nb he’s too English for Arsenal).

Destination: Aston Villa, Celtic

Matthew Upson

West Ham’s stalwart over the last few years could be heading out of East London. The Upton Park board have repeatedly refused to cash in on him and now he can leave on a free. He may be offered a new deal if they stay up, but his agent is already scouting out new clubs. Could be tempted by a move north of the border.

Destination: Tottenham, West Bromwich Albion, Celtic

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is contemplating a sensational summer swoop for Tottenham Hotspur defender Jonathan Woodgate.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is unlikely to be offered a new deal because of his poor injury record.

But this will not put off the Gunners boss, who is looking for an experienced defender to be used as back-up in his squad.

The Frenchman believes Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou are good enough defenders to win Arsenal the Premier League for the first time in seven years.

But injury concerns over Djourou and Vermaelen highlights the issue of only having Sebastian Squillaci as cover.

Wenger sees Woodgate as the perfect back-up. Wenger was even interested in buying the former Real Madrid player when he joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough. Arsenal were linked with a move for the centre back by Sky Sports in January and it appears there is still a great deal of interest in the former England international.

Woodgate will be offered a one-year rolling contract according to our sources and Wenger will be keeping an eye on the centre-back to see if he is worth taking a risk on.

Over the years several defenders have switched allegiances in North London. Sol Campbell left Tottenham for Arsenal in 2001, while William Gallas did the opposite last summer.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Jonathan Woodgate will not play against his former club Real Madrid in next week’s Champions League quarter-final.

The 31-year-old limped off in a 2-1 victory against Barnet in a friendly with a calf strain and is likely to sidelined for at least two weeks.

This will definitely rule him out of the first-leg at the Bernabeu but he could still make the return at White Hart Lane on April 20.

The niggle is a huge blow for the England international who has been troubled throughout his career by injury.

He was also hoping to prove his fitness to manager Harry Redknapp to earn a new contract. His current deal expires at the end of the season.

“It’s not good news –a real blow to him and the club,” Redknapp told The Sun.

“He had been training well recently and I was hoping to feature him against Real next week.

“He’ll still travel with us as part of the squad. Real is his old club and this match means so much to him.”

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Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has suffered a strained adductor muscle in his left leg after making his comeback in his side’s victory over AC Milan.

The news is a blow for Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp who has lost defenders Younes Kaboul (knee), Ledley King (groin) and Vedran Corluka (ankle).

Woodgate came on as late substitute in the famous 1-0 victory over the Italian giants after missing a year with a serious groin injury.

But this latest injury could leave the former Newcastle United and Real Madrid centre-back out for three weeks.

Despite the setback, Woodagte was up-beat about his return to first-team action.

“It was a great feeling to be back,” he said after Tuesday’s match.

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Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has revealed his joy at returning to first-team action against Ac Milan.

The former Real Madrid player came on after a poor challenge by Milan’s Mathieu Flamini left Vedran Corluka needing crutches.

Woodgate, who has not played for a year due to a career-threatening groin injury, helped Tottenham secure a memorable 1-0 victory against the Italian giants.

“It was a great feeling to get back,” the 31-year-old told Sky Sports.

“A lot of people doubted whether I could get back but you have got to show the determination to not let the bad times get you down.”

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Jonathan Woodgate has the chance to prove his career is back on track – in Wolves’ relegation battle.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has given his blessing for the injury-jinxed defender to move to Molineux on loan until the end of the season.

Woodgate, 30, is on his way back after a long-standing groin injury – but is way down the pecking order at Tottenham.

Redknapp said: “I’m happy for him to go if he wants. It’s really up to him.

“Jonathan’s played a couple of games for the reserves and in training games – but now we really need to see him move up a gear.

“He definitely needs to get some proper first-team games under his belt.”

Newcastle have also been tracking Woody but Wolves have firmed up their interest with an approach.

Woodgate had surgery in Australia to cure the injury which has kept him out since November 2009 – but William Gallas, Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Younes Kaboul are all ahead of him in the queue for a first-team spot.

SOURCE: The Sun

Jonathan Woodgate has been desperately unlucky with injuries throughout his career, but at the age of 30 still feels that he can play at the highest level.

All likelihood suggests that his bid to re-establish himself will come at Wolverhampton Wanderers, though the player would certainly listen to a Newcastle United offer if it came.

After all, he did at play at St James’ Park earlier just a few years ago.

Wolves could certainly use the experience of the Tottenham Hotspur centre back in their relegation battle, and with Harry Redknapp agreeing to let him leave it appears as if it is down to the player to decide.

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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed that there is no chance of Jonathan Woodgate joining rivals Arsenal this month.

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger is known to be looking at potential central defensive recruits and, as skysports.com revealed last week, he considered a move for Woodgate.
Woodgate has recently returned to full training – following a horrific spell on the sidelines through injury which has limited him to just three league games since the start of last season.

Asked about a potential deal with Arsenal,Redknapp confirmed: “No, not a chance. We wouldn’t let him go there.”

“We want to keep him,” said Redknapp – admitting that Spurs would look at giving Woodgate a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in the summer, if he could prove his fitness.

“He’s out of contract in the summer so if we let him out on loan, then we’re not giving him away unless he signs a new deal before he goes.

“And you couldn’t do that right now in case he breaks down. He needs to stay here and see how it goes and if he’s okay, we can sit down at the end of the season and give him a deal for next year.

“But it would have to be heavily loaded as a pay-as-you-play deal.”

SOURCE: Sky Sports

You can’t blame Harry Redknapp for turning down advances for a player the White Hart Lane club has stood by for a seemingly endless period of time in the treatment room. Jonathan Woodgate appears to have some very bad injury problems that may never resolve themselves and if Tottenham offloaded the former Real Madrid centre back to the Emirates Stadium it would be pretty dumb move on several levels.

Apart from anything else they would be helping out a team who are rivals and doing so at a cost to themselves given that Tottenham also appear to have defensive problems of their own. A week barely passes without some of Harry’s centre back legion crying off with one knock or another.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Woodgate in the summer because it seems likely that Spurs may just elect to cut their losses when the season ends unless the 30 year old actually manages to play 90 minutes of first team football before the season is out.

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