Middlesbrough are hopeful of luring Jonathan Woodgate back to the Premiership after he revealed he will spend the season on loan in England.
The Real Madrid star has suffered an injury nightmare during his two years at the Bernabeu and is desperate to prove his fitness.
Boro, former club Newcastle and Liverpool have been linked with the 26-year-old and Gareth Southgate is hoping the Middlesbrough-born defender will opt for his home-town club.
Woodgate said: "I am going to go on loan for a year and I will know which team I am going to join in the next few days. I like all the English teams that want me and it would be a positive step to go back. I need to play games to show I am strong and completely recovered."
Newcastle has been repeatedly touted as a temporary destination for Woodgate, but his injury history is a concern.
He was a huge hit at St James' Park following his #9million move from Leeds in January 2003, but his £13.4million switch to Real came after a torn thigh muscle ended his spell on Tyneside in the treatment room.
Boro have been searching for defensive reinforcements since Southgate's retirement, and with their bid for Robert Huth having fallen through and Sylvain Distin failing to agree personal terms, they are considering alternatives.
It is understood they have made an inquiry and are awaiting an answer.
