Rams eye Stead swoop
13 Oct 2006 - 08:15:21
Derby County boss Billy Davies has admitted his interest in signing Sunderland's out-of-favour striker Jon Stead on loan.
The Rams are currently down to their last two strikers in the shape of Arturo Lupoli and Steve Howard as veteran hitman Paul Peschisolido is ruled out for up to six weeks with a thigh injury.
As a result, Davies has been alerted by Sunderland boss Roy Keane's admission that he is prepared to let 23-year-old Stead leave the Stadium of Light in order to secure some regular first-team football.
The former Huddersfield and Blackburn Rovers forward is thought to be the subject of interest of several clubs but Davies is hopeful he will choose Pride Park.
He told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "We're very keen to bring Jon Stead to Derby.
"From what I understand, the player has got a number of options and it's very much up to him.
"I think Derby would provide him with a good opportunity to show what he can do.
"It would be a good place for him to come and continue to develop his career.
"We've been in touch with Sunderland and have done all we can do. It's very much a case of waiting to hear the player's decision."