CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Veteran catcher Joe Girardi, a member of the World Series champion New York Yankees the last three seasons, reportedly is headed back to the Chicago Cubs.

ESPN Radio 1000 is reporting that the Cubs have agreed to a three-year, $5.5 million contract that is contingent upon Girardi passing a physical. Assuming he passes, the deal will be announced early next week.

The St. Louis Cardinals are believed to be among the other teams interested in Girardi, who was not in the Yankees' plans for 2000.

Girardi made $3.4 million in 1999 as the Yankees picked up a contract option to keep him around for one more season as insurance behind Jorge Posada. An excellent defensive player, Girardi hit .239 in 65 games but received increased playing time when Posada struggled.

Girardi, 35, is a 1986 graduate of Northwestern who began his major league career with the Cubs in 1989. He was drafted by Colorado in the 1992 expansion draft and spent three seasons with the Rockies. His best offensive season was 1996, when he hit .294 and drove in 45 runs for the Yankees.

While a backup in New York, Girardi could be the primary catcher with the Cubs ahead of Jeff Reed, who was acquired last season from the Rockies.

The Cubs would not confirm any deal with Girardi, but did agree to terms with catcher Yoon-Min Kweon, a native of Inchon, South Korea. Kweon, 20, was a member of Korea's Junior National team and will report to minor league spring training in March.