Ipswich make Stead deal permanent

Ipswich Town have signed Sheffield United striker Jon Stead on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee after the player agreed personal terms.

The 25-year-old former England Under-21 international was initially signed on a three-month loan earlier this month.

Stead scored a debut goal in Town's 2-0 win over Reading on Saturday and was delighted with the move.

"Its been a fantastic weekend, what with scoring, getting the three points and finalising my move here," he said.

Stead began his career at Huddersfield Town, scoring 22 goals in 68 games before moving to Blackburn Rovers for £1.25m in 2004.

"It was an easy decision to make, joining the club," he added.

Ipswich chief executive Derek Bowden told the club's website: "It was always our intention to sign Jon on a permanent deal after we had agreed a fee with Sheffield.

"But to avoid having to rush things through at the last minute, with Jon having to race down here from Sheffield on deadline day, we agreed the loan.

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"That gave us proper time to discuss personal terms and we have now agreed."

Stead netted eight goals in 42 games for Blackburn before moving on to Sunderland and then Sheffield United.

He spent 18 months at the Stadium of Light, before switching to Bramall Lane in a £750,000 deal in January 2007.

He scored five goals in 14 appearances for the Blades that season, but could not stop them being relegated from the Premier League.

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