Robson confirms Woodgate talks

And, although Woodgate is currently sidelined for six weeks with a thigh injury, Newcastle still want to complete the deal before the January transfer window deadline.

Robson, who is also looking to sign Atletico Paraense midfielder Kleberson, said: "All I can confirm to you now is that the club have actually made communication to both clubs in respect of the two players concerned.

"There's a lot of communication and dialogue that will have to go on before anything happens in that respect, but all we've done is made preliminary investigations into those two players.

"It's as simple as that and I can say no more than that."