Kevin Keegan does not believe that Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate will be returning to Newcastle United.
However, Tottenham are also thought to be keen on the England defender, who now looks certain to leave Boro, as Juande Ramos bids to strengthen his defence.
And Keegan appears to have conceded defeat in his attempts to lure the 28-year-old, who spent the 2003-04 season with Newcastle before leaving for Real Madrid, into returning to St James' Park.
"At this moment I don't think he is going to come to Newcastle," Keegan told Sky Sports News.
"In fact I am almost certain he isn't. I think he is going to go somewhere else.
"It looks like we have lost him. I am very disappointed. I fully understand though. But I desperately want him to come."