Phillips reveals Boro dream

Phillips wanted a Boro switch

Striker Kevin Phillips has stunned new club Southampton by revealing that he would have preferred a transfer to Middlesbrough.

The 30-year-old quit relegated Sunderland for Europe-bound Southampton during the close season.

But Phillips has now said that Middlesbrough would have been his "ideal" destination.

"To be honest, if there was any chance, I would have gone," he said.

"Being honest, I would have gone because my house that I bought in the north-east was nearer to Middlesbrough's training ground than it was Sunderland's.

As long as he does his best and bangs in lots of goals, it really does not matter From Edinburgh Saint Have your say on 606

"That would have been ideal but obviously it wasn't to be."

England international Phillips completed a £3.25m move to Southampton on the eve of the new Premiership season.

He scored on his debut and has since formed a promising partnership with James Beattie.

And Phillips still harbours hopes of a recall to the England side, possibly alongside his new club strike partner.

"Obviously, if I start banging in the goals regularly for Southampton and then if I don't get a call-up, I'll be disappointed," he said.

"But I just hope James doesn't get the same treatment that I got - if he gets his chance, I'm sure he'll take it."