Middlesbrough are hopeful England centre-back Jonathan Woodgate will join on a permanent basis after a deal was struck with Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have reached an agreement with Boro for the 27-year-old to make his loan move to the Riverside Stadium permanent at the end of the season.
Woodgate has been with the Teesiders on loan since the summer - a deal which included a first-option clause on the former Leeds defender, who is set to feature for England against Spain on Wednesday.
He is yet to confirm that he will stay with Gareth Southgate's resurgent side beyond this season, but officials at the club are hopeful an agreement can be reached.
Media and communications manager Dave Allan said: "We have been absolutely delighted with the way Jonathan has played for us this season. He seems happy to be back home.
"We are certainly happy with him - very happy - and we hope the feeling is shared equally between us and Jonathan."
A Madrid statement read: "Real Madrid CF and Middlesbrough have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Jonathan Woodgate.
"Real Madrid wish Jonathan Woodgate great success both personally and professionally in this new stage of his career."
