Arsenal Stun Spurs As Jonathan Woodgate Bid Is Accepted

Arsenal have made a late jump into the race to sign Jonathan Woodgate, and have quickly taken pole position.

The transfer of Jonathan Woodgate seemed close to being completed after the defender travelled to London over the weekend to complete a medical at White Hart Lane.

Middlesbrough had accepted identical offers from both Newcastle and Spurs, and left it to the player to decide his destination.

However, it became clear on Saturday evening that Kevin Keegan had given up on luring the former Real Madrid man back to Tyneside.

A move to Tottenham was to be completed by this morning. However, following an unexpected delay, Boro have confirmed that they have accepted a bid from a third club as well.

Sky Sports News claim that the club are Arsenal, so Woodgate's visit to London could well be to complete a move to The Emirates.

This late bid - emerging undoubtedly from Arsene Wenger's defensive concerns, particularly after Kolo Toure picked up a groin injury in Ghana - is certain to leave Spurs furious.

Woodgate is eligible to play in Europe this season, and not many top defenders are, which could be another reason why Arsenal could be ready to take the plunge. It is being suggested that the lure of Champions League football could prove too strong.