Stoke may scupper Leeds bid to bring Woodgate back to Elland Road

Stoke have offered to extend Woodgate’s career in the Premier League after his release from Tottenham Hotspur.

Stoke followed Leeeds in declaring an interest in Woodgate last month, and the presence of a Premier League side in the bidding casts doubt on Leeds’ ability to tempt the injury-prone defender back to Elland Road.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson confirmed that he had been in contact with Woodgate’s advisors following the 31-year-old’s departure from White Hart Lane, and Leeds see him as a realistic transfer target despite the likelihood of several high-profile clubs pushing for his services.

An offer from Leeds is dependent on Woodgate’s wage demands and would also require guarantees over the defender’s fitness, a weakness throughout his long and promising professional career.

Woodgate made only one appearance for Spurs last season and has not completed back-to-back outings at first-team level since November 2009.

Spurs were believed to be offering him a pay-as-you-play deal this summer but the club announced his release ahead of his contract expiring on June 30.