Stead takes Rams loan

Derby County have signed Sunderland striker Jon Stead on loan until the New Year.

The 23-year-old will remain with The Rams until January 2 and will provide further options in attack for Pride Park manager Billy Davies.

The East Midlands club were down to two fit strikers in Steve Howard and Arturo Lupoli after Canadian veteran Paul Peschisolido was ruled out for up to six weeks with a thigh injury.

Stead leaves The Stadium of Light after falling down the pecking order in Roy Keane's side following the Irishman's appointment as Black Cats manager.

Summer signings David Connolly and Dwight Yorke are preferred ahead of the former Huddersfield Town and Blackburn Rovers hit-man, so Stead has opted to spend time on-loan with Derby.

Davies will be aiming to turn Stead's loan deal into a permanent arrangement in the January transfer window and the goalscorer will be available for Sunday's trip to Plymouth Argyle.