Veteran West Brom striker Kevin Phillips looks set to score a Midlands hat-trick by joining Birmingham City on a two-year contract.The 34-year-old is out of contract at The Hawthorns, and it appears Albion's stance of only offering him a new one-year deal with the option of a further year dependent on appearances has backfired on them.

Blues boss Alex McLeish has offered a straight two-year contract for Phillips, whose 24 goals last season helped the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

If the former Sunderland hitman does move to St Andrews, it will be a Second City hat-trick for him having also played for Aston Villa, who received £700,000 for him from Albion in August 2006.

The capture of Phillips, who has netted 46 goals in 81 games for the Baggies, will be a relief for McLeish following the exit of Mikael Forssell to Hannover earlier this summer.

It could also prompt Albion boss Tony Mowbray to reignite his interest in Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi, who has been linked with a £3million move to the Black Country.

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