Newcastle ponder Real bid for Woodgate

Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson admitted the club were on the brink of losing star defender Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid after the Spanish giants put in a reported 14-million-pound bid for the England defender.

"At his best, he's the best centre-half in the country," Robson told Sky Sports TV on Thursday.

"It's a huge offer, the club had to consider it," former England manager Robson added without confirming a figure.

"It's a huge opportunity for him, to play with the likes of David Beckham, Michael Owen and Luis Figo. Do we deny him that opportunity? There's a moral issue here."

Newcastle bought Woodgate for nine million pounds barely 18 months ago from Leeds.

But the 24-year-old is presently in Germany for treatment on a thigh injury that has kept him out of action since April.

And Robson added: "He has a medical to pass, that's first and foremost. Players do fail medicals. The injury he sustained was four and a half months ago. He is almost ready to play."

Real signed England striker Owen from Liverpool earlier this summer having secured the services of England captain Beckham from Manchester United last year.