Shepherd Reveals Woodgate/Real Madrid Details

By Matthew Jones
August 20 2004

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd insists that Real Madrid made the first move for England international, Jonathon Woodgate, who is now likely to join David Beckham and Michael Owen at the Spanish club.

Shepherd is quoted on the Official Newcastle Website, as to saying:

"Real Madrid called us on Monday with an offer for Jonathan, and since the the transfer has followed the normal course of any deal. The first we knew of any interest was when Madrid's representative called us on Monday.

"To suggest otherwise is complete rubbish, and it's certainly not about the money. As far as things stand at the moment (10am), Jonathan has passed the first part of his medical in Madrid and is now undergoing the second stage of that. We expect that both clubs will be in a position to make an announcement on Friday afternoon.

"We did not want Jonathan to leave Newcastle United, but you have to look at it from both sides. Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world - that's a fact.

"Which player wouldn't want to sign for Real Madrid if they come and show an interest in them? Jonathan has said that Real Madrid would have been the only club he'd have left Newcastle United for, he certainly wouldn't have joined another Premiership club.

"If the transfer does go through, as we expect it to, then we have to wish Jonathan well and hope it goes well for him."

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