By Wayne Veysey

11th Aug, 2016 | 10:27am

Ex-Leeds defender joins Liverpool after leaving top-tier rivals - Sky report

By Tom Blackburn 

Jonathan Woodgate has joined the Liverpool scouting team after being released by Middlesborough in May, according to a report.

The Daily Star claims the former Leeds, Tottenham and Newcastle defender , 36, will focus on scouting players from Spain and Portugal.

It is said he will utilise the knowledge gain from his experience playing in Spain while at Real Madrid.

Sky Sports journalist Jane Dougall subsequently confirmed on her personal Twitter account that the broadcaster had learned Woodgate had been appointed by Liverpool.

Ex-England man Woodgate signed for Real from Newcastle in 2004 for £13.4million, but failed to make a single appearance in his first season at the club due to injuries.

His delayed debut for the club against Athletico Bilbao turned things from bad to worse, when he scored an own goal before being sent off for a second bookable offence.

Woodgate was a popular figure during his time at Elland Road, but left the club in January 2003 as the Yorkshire giants attempted to raise funds to end financial difficulties.

He made 124 appearances for Leeds before heading to Newcastle where he continued to shine in his 35 games before his landmark move to Spain.

After that difficult period he returned to England to play for Middlesborough, Tottenham and Stoke before heading back to boyhood club Boro ahead of his retirement.

In other Liverpool transfer news, they will make a last-minute decision on midfielder deal.