Alan Shearer had a say in Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate turning down Newcastle United, it has been revealed.

Woodgate's father, Alan, revealed Shearer's decision not to become Keegan's No 2 had been instrumental in his son opting to join Tottenham.

"The only way he would have gone to Newcastle is if Shearer was No 2 to Kevin Keegan," Alan Woodgate told the Sunday Sun.

"He is going to Tottenham. I have driven him to the station to go down there today for a medical and talks.

"Provided it all goes OK, the deal should be finalised over the weekend."