Blues ready to pinch Phillips

Veteran striker Kevin Phillips is ready to quit West Brom for a sensational switch to neighbours Birmingham, according to reports.

The 34-year-old has failed to agree new terms at The Hawthorns and is ready to move on, with relegated Derby also keen on the former England international.

Phillips was named the Championship's Player of the Year after a remarkable return of 24 goals from just 30 starts, and Blues may be ready to jump in and hand the out-of-contract striker one last big pay packet.

West Brom had offered Phillips a new two-year deal despite his age but only wanted to pay him a first year based on Premiership rates - with the second year performance-related.

The Premier League new boys have already lost Zoltan Gera to Fulham and Martin Albrechtsen to Derby.