Phillips made it clear to the club that any deal worth accepting to stay at the Hawthorns would involve a two year contract, something that Chairman Jeremy Peace expressed early concerns over given the strikers age and injury problems.
But it was revealed this week that the club were more than prepared to meet Phillips half way on contract negotiations, offering an initial 12 month contract with an automatic second year if the striker notched up 19 appearances for the Baggies in their first season back in the Premiership, including substitute appearances.
Tony Mowbray believes that the offer was more than appropriate for a striker of his age and knee problems. But Phillips, described by Mowbray as "top professional" opted to move to Blues, where a straight forward two year deal was offered.
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