Blues wrap up Phillips deal

Birmingham have completed the signing of West Brom striker Kevin Phillips, who has penned a two-year deal at St Andrews.

Phillips' future has been shrouded in doubt all summer as the Baggies were only willing to offer the veteran striker a one-year deal, while the player wanted two years.

Blues boss Alex McLeish spotted an opportunity and quickly offered the 34-year-old a two-year deal with the guarantee he will be spearheading the club's bid to win promotion back to the Premiership.

Rival clubs were also in the hunt to land Phillips, but the striker said his mind was made up after speaking to McLeish.

"I spoke to the manager and he was very keen for me to join," Phillips told the club's website.

"He explained to me what he is looking for this season and that I am going to be a major part of the club's push for promotion. Plus a big factor for me was that I didn't have to move."