NEWCASTLE UNITED were last night waiting for Leeds United to respond to their £10m bid for Jonathan Woodgate.

After much prevarication, Newcastle have finally offered to make a down payment of £7m for Woodgate, with a further £3m based on appearances.

With the transfer window closing on Friday night, Newcastle are running out of time to conclude a deal for the England defender.

But with Leeds midfielder Seth Johnson's proposed move to Middlesbrough collapsing yesterday, the Magpies hope the Elland Road club's chronic cash problems will force them to part with Woodgate - despite fears of a fans' backlash.

The Leeds hierarchy faced protests from their supporters at Gillingham on Saturday and the departure of Woodgate would further infuriate their followers.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "I can confirm that a bid has been made with Leeds for Jonathan Woodgate.

"We consider it to be a fair price and we are waiting to hear from them.

"But we won't get involved in their internal politics."

Sir Bobby Robson has pinned all his hopes on bringing in Woodgate, having failed to follow up his interest in Matthew Upson, Daniel van Buyten and a posse of other centre-backs.

Only bottom club West Ham United have conceded more Premiership away goals than Newcastle, who face a testing trip to Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.

Woodgate will be out until the end of next month with a thigh problem, but Robson is so keen to sign the 23-year-old that he is prepared to buy him while he is carrying an injury.

Newcastle last night cut their losses and allowed Diego Gavilan, who cost £2m almost three years ago, to join Brazilian side Sporting Club Internacional on loan until December.

The exit of Gavilan, who scored one goal in just eight appearances during his time at St James' Park, was finalised when Newcastle officials were in Brazil last week.

Wayne Quinn is also believed to be close to completing a permanent return to Sheffield United after impressing during his current loan spell with his former club.

Craig Bellamy and Gary Speed were yesterday named in the Wales squad for the friendly with Bosnia on February 12.

Newcastle strikers Michael Chopra and Richard Offiong, who is currently on loan at Darlington, are in the England Under-20 squad for their game against Germany on February 6

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.