Newcastle developing strong links with Real Madrid

Newcastle United's smooth negotiations with Real Madrid over the deals for Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Owen could lead to a strong relationship between the two clubs.

Continental clubs often trade players with rivals that they're close to and Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has established a good relationship with Real and their president Florentino Perez.

Shepherd explained Owen's transfer had been made easier by his close personal relationship with Perez, forged during the deal which took Woodgate to Spain two seasons ago.

"I spoke to the president and we shook hands on the phone," Shepherd said.