Tony Mowbray is believed to have cooled his interest in Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi as Kevin Phillips looks likely to stay at West Brom.The Baggies have been deadlocked in talks with veteran hitman Phillips over a new contract at The Hawthorns since the end of the season - but it appears they are finally close to reaching an agreement.

The 34-year-old wanted a new two-year contract, while chairman Jeremy Peace was offering a one-year deal with the option of a second year dependent on making a number of appearances next season.

The impasse had prompted interest from Stoke and QPR in Phillips' services - but it appears the lure of playing Premier League football has proved enough for the former Sunderland forward to compromise his stance.

Mowbray had looked into a £2.5million deal for Magpies outcast Ameobi, who is well down the striker pecking order at St James' Park.

But with Phillips set to commit his future to Albion, Mowbray appears happy to go into the season with him, Roman Bednar, Luke Moore and Ishmael Miller fighting for first-team spots.

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