Jonathan Woodgate’s imminent move to Real Madrid is the lead sports story in most of today’s national newspapers.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson admitted he was resigned to losing the England defender after the two clubs agreed a fee of around £15million.

The Sun claim Woodgate was touted to Real when Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd was on club business in Spain last week.

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Nottingham Forest’s Andy Reid is on the verge of clinching a £4.5million move to Charlton, according to reports in The Sun and Daily Express.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley is reportedly anxious to push a deal through before the transfer window closes on 31 August.

Reid, 22, is rated at around £5million by Forest chief Joe Kinnear – a fee that scared off Tottenham – but Charlton still have cash to spare after the £10m sale of Scott Parker last year and will not be so easily deterred by Forest’s demands.

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The Daily Mail claim Southampton manager Paul Sturrock will be sacked after only five months in the job if the Saints lose against Blackburn at St Mary’s tomorrow.

Chairman Rupert Lowe and his board have apparently decided to act quickly before the club becomes embroiled in a winter-long Premiership struggle and are said to be considering a list of alternatives, including Wales coach Mark Hughes.

"Everything is dictated by how we do on Saturday," said Lowe last night. "Results are what matter and Blackburn is our next game."

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Sir Alex Ferguson is worried his depleted Manchester United side could be heading for a burn-out – less than a week into the new season.

Fergie has been without eight first-team players through injury, Olympic duty and suspension and is concerned the players he has been forced to rely on could suffer mental and physical exhaustion.

"We are asking the same players to play the most important games all the time and that could have a wearing effect," said Ferguson.

"I do worry about that but unfortunately we just have to dig in and keep going." (Daily Mirror)

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Jacques Santini believes Jermain Defoe can become the best striker in England.

And the new Spurs coach is tipping his man to spearhead England’s attack in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

"Jermain is very quick with the ball and has great speed," said Santini.

"With many years ahead of him, he can become the best striker for England." (Daily Star)