Real Madrid have signed Jonathan Woodgate from Newcastle in a deal worth £13.4m.

The former Leeds United defender passed his medical earlier today, despite being sidelined with a thigh injury since April.

The centre-back has signed a four-year contract with Real.

“Newcastle United and Real Madrid wish to announce that terms have been agreed today for the transfer of Jonathan Woodgate,” a Newcastle spokesman said.

“The player passed his medical examination and will join Real Madrid on a four-year contract, plus an optional one year, today.

“Newcastle United record their appreciation at the manner in which Real Madrid have concluded negotiations, which speaks well of the relationship between the two clubs.”

New Madrid manager Jose Antonio Camacho has brought in Woodgate, as well as Roma’s Walter Samuel, to bolster his defence.

Woodgate becomes the third English player in the Madrid squad, following the signing last week of Michael Owen and last summer’s arrival of David Beckham.