TWO international defenders joined Boro's squad today, as Jonathan Woodgate agreed a year's loan from Real Madrid and Robert Huth completed a £6m move from Chelsea.

German international Huth, who was 22 earlier this month, has signed a five-year contract with Boro after passing a medical.

Capped 17 times by Germany, the Berlin-born central defender played 68 times for Chelsea, helping them win the last two Premier League titles while also appearing in the Champions League.

Middlesbrough-born Woodgate's loan deal includes an option for Boro to purchase the five-times capped England defender. He also passed a medical on Teesside today.

The 26-year-old, who was previously with Leeds United and Newcastle United, played 14 times for Real Madrid last season after recovering from long-term injury. He joined Real Madrid from Newcastle in a £13.4m deal early in the 2004-05 season.

Boro manager Gareth Southgate said: "We have added two international defenders to our squad in one afternoon. That's a significant coup for Middlesbrough and a big boost for everyone at the club.

"Both players feel they have a point to prove - and the great thing is that they want to do that with Middlesbrough. I'm absolutely delighted."

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