Jonathan Woodgate on ‘unbelievable’ Darren Randolph situation with keeper set to travel to Tottenham

The Republic of Ireland international was expected to complete the switch last week but has returned to Teesside following a trip to London.

Randolph has been sidelined with a thigh injury since the end of November but is expected to return to full fitness soon.

West Ham boss David Moyes has said he remains hopeful a deal can be struck, while Boro have said Randolph is fit and available and will travel with the squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup meeting at Tottenham.

When asked about Randolph ahead of the match, Woodgate said: “The situation is with Darren is that it’s the longest medical I’ve ever known in history and I’ve had a few medicals myself.

“This is like unbelievable really, we’ll see what happens in the next 48 hours.”

“Darren is professional, look what he’s done for the football club, he’s been an outstanding keeper for us.

“He’ll be professional and he’ll be absolutely fine.”

Woodgate was also asked about top scorer Britt Assombalonga who has missed the side’s last eight games through injury.

“It’s an ankle problem from the tackle from Darren Pratley (against Charlton), he’s still not right from that.

“I was even watching him myself and it looked like he was giving it a go, he was trying but he didn’t look right, when he was slowing down he was still limping with it.”

The striker could return for this week’s trip to Fulham.