Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Jonathan Woodgate from Middlesbrough for a free believed to be around £7 million.

The England international had been wanted by his former club Newcastle but instead he has opted to move to London to join Juande Ramos's revelation.

Tottenham's North London rival Arsenal were also linked the centre-back before Arsene Wenger came out publicly to dismiss the speculation.

"We are delighted to announce we have reached agreement with Middlesbrough for the transfer of Jonathan Woodgate," Spurs confirmed in a statement.

28-year-old Woodgate burst onto the scene with Leeds in 1998 before moving to Newcastle in 2003 were he spent 18 months.

The six-timed capped England defender then moved to Spain to play for Liga giants Real Madrid, but his injury plagued spell in the Spanish capital came to an end in 2006 when he signed for his hometown team Middlesbrough, initial on loan, and then permanently.

He has been identified as the man to solve Spurs' defensive problems, which manager Ramos has said will be crucial if the club is to turn around their fortunes.

The White Hart Lane side have already been boosted by the return from injury of Ledley King and Ramos can now call upon another experienced international.

Woodgate has always been rated extremely highly but his career has been disrupted by injuries.

A recurring leg injury caused him to miss over a year while at Newcastle and then a similar situation around at Real.

He has also not played since New Year's Day because of hamstring and shin problems.

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

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

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate, himself a former England centre back, said he did not try to prevent the transfer when it became obvious Woodgate wanted to move.

"You're looking for everyone at your club to want to be here and be part of it," he said

"We were then asking a question a Jonathan -- do you want to be here and be part of what we want to do or do you want to head off?

"It seems he wanted to head off."

Seán Fay / Eurosport