As much as Kevin Phillips enjoyed his time at Southampton, it seems clear that he is waiting for a late move by Middlesbrough to seal is return to the Premiership. The Sunderland star would find the Middlesbrough wage structure far more flexible than Southampton's and he wouldn't have to uproot his family from the area.
It would appear that it really is between the two clubs, as Rangers financial state means that they are unlikely to match any serious bid form the Premiership. Having spent recklessly for a number of years., £3million pound is beyond the Ibrox club's reach, and it's doubtful if Phillips would be prepared to wait on the chance of the Glasgow club progressing in the Champion's league.
Southampton are seemingly prepared to wait for Phillips to make up his mind.
Chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We've agreed a fee, now it's a question of the player and his agent deciding if this is the place he wants to come, which we obviously hope he will. They have to make up their minds now.
There is money to spend and we are strengthening the squad. It's the best squad we've had here in my time at the club and we are looking forward to the start of the season."