JONATHAN WOODGATE'S outstanding form for Middlesbrough has not alerted parent club Real Madrid - yet.

Woodgate is not due to return to the Bernabeu until the end of the season when his loan deal expires but he remains the centre of speculation.

The 26-year-old defender is understood to be still the subject of interest from Newcastle United, while Middlesbrough are keen to keep him beyond this season.

Woodgate has made no secret of his determination to prove his fitness problems are behind him and secure a place back at Real under Italian coach Fabio Capello.

But, despite impressing in his first few months with his hometown club in the Premiership, there has been no contact from Capello.

Woodgate is refusing to read too much into that and is trying to concentrate on staying fit and maintaining consistency in his performances - something he has done so far.

"I honestly don't know what is going to happen," said Woodgate. "The future is not in my hands. My main aim is to play as many games as possible and help Middlesbrough qualify for a European competition.

"At the end of the season we will see what happens. I am extremely happy here and I don't know if they (Madrid) want me back.

"I have only spoken to a club doctor and with David Beckham. I assume it's normal that no-one else calls me."

Despite signing at the end of August, Woodgate has made more starts for Middlesbrough than he did in two years in the Spanish capital.

There was an occasion this season when he missed one game with a dead leg but he has still reached 13 appearances for Boro, six more starts than he totalled at Real.

And, having earned five caps for his country, Woodgate is hoping for an international return, although he is keen to keep going at club level for the time being.

"I am close to reaching my best form. Each day I feel better," he said. "I am taking care of myself here.

"I have an individual training programme. I arrive one hour before my team-mates and I leave two hours later than anyone else. I am working very hard in order to be at my best as soon as possible.

"I am enjoying my return home but the most important thing for me is that I'm playing regularly. I knew I hadn't lost my ability but I also needed to play more often in order to prove that I'm worthy."

It remains to be seen whether Woodgate's stay on Teesside will be shared by Massimo Maccarone beyond the January transfer window.

Maccarone, out of favour under manager Gareth Southgate, is attracting interest from Empoli, Torino and Siena and has admitted it could be time to move on.

"I understand that there is no place for me any more and therefore my departure from Middlesbrough is unavoidable," he said