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Albion aiming to keep Phillips
West Bromwich Albion will press ahead with plans to re-sign Kevin Phillips this week as Leeds United wait to follow up their interest in the veteran striker.
United are one of several clubs with an eye on Phillips, whose contract with West Brom expires at the end of this month, but Albion are working to retain the prolific 34-year-old ahead of their return to the Premier League next season.
The west midlands club have been in negotiations with Phillips' agent, Phil Smith, since the end of last season, and they are expected to push for an agreement this week with the forward due to return from a short holiday.
A fresh deal at The Hawthorns is believed to be Phillips' preferred option this summer, but he is keen to secure a two-year contract which would keep him at West Brom until the age of 36.
Albion would prefer to commit to an initial 12-month agreement, and Leeds will have the opportunity to make an offer of their own if discussions between West Brom and Phillips come to nothing.
Boss Gary McAllister has already discussed the former Sunderland striker's position with Smith.
But serious talks will not take place until the option of a new contract at The Hawthorns has been exhausted.
Stoke City are also believed to be keen on signing Phillips following their promotion to the top flight, and United's position in League One may rule them out of the bidding if the forward becomes available.
Smith declined to comment when contacted by the YEP but, speaking earlier this month, he described the chances of Phillips moving to Elland Road before the start of next term as "unlikely".
Smith added: "Until we've spoken to West Brom, we won't be holding conversations with anyone else."
Phillips scored 24 goals last season as Albion won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, United's 2008-09 League One schedule has been altered for a third time after their game at Carlisle United on Saturday, September 20 was brought forward to a 12.15pm kick-off.
The Cumbrian club have followed Scunthorpe United and Peterborough United in moving their home meeting with Leeds away from the scheduled 3pm start, and further re-arrangements are expected to follow this week.
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Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
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