Middlesbrough have given Tottenham Hotspur permission to speak to Jonathan Woodgate after accepting a bid for the defender.

The former England man has been identified as the man to solve Spurs' defensive problems, which manager Juande Ramos has identified as the key to turning around their fortunes.

The White Hart Lane club have already been boosted by the return from injury of Ledley King and Ramos is intent on bringing in another experienced international.

Woodgate is a fans' favourite at his hometown club but, with Boro well-stocked with centre-backs, manager Gareth Southgate feels he is expendable.

The Teesside club also have Emanuel Pogatetz, Robert Huth, David Wheater and Chris Riggott on their books.

While Woodgate's ability and reading of the game are not in doubt, his injury record will concern Tottenham fans.

A recurring leg injury caused him to miss over a year while at Newcastle and Real Madrid, and he has not played since New Year's Day because of a hamstring strain.

Tottenham have also been linked with a £10 million move for winger Stewart Downing but Boro chairman Steve Gibson is unlikely to sanction the sale of two of the club's prize assets.

Alex Chick / Eurosport