Huddersfield striker "flattered" by Sunderland interest

The agent of Sunderland target Jon Stead has admitted that his client is flattered by the interest being shown by Sunderland - but refused to say what the likelihood of a successful deal is.

Stead's agent John Seasman said today, "Jonathan wants to play at the highest level. I am sure Jonathan is very flattered by the interest that is being shown in him, but it is not a matter that is in his hands – it is something between Huddersfield and Sunderland."

Stead scored against Sunderland when Huddersfield visited the Stadium of Light during this summer's pre-season campaign, when the crowd was only just over 5,000 - but Seasman said "I said to him, 'imagine playing at places like this when there are 48,000 people'. Sunderland is a massive club which is geared for the Premiership, the facilities at Sunderland are second to none and the fans in the North East are so passionate."

Sunderland have already had a near-£1m bid for the player turned down by Huddersfield, with the Terriers said to be hoping to hold out until the Premiership transfer window opens in January - but Stead's agent said that may well NOT be the case. "In this game, you never know what is going to happen from one hour to the next, let alone one day to the next.

"Jonathan just wants to work hard and develop his game, keep improving and his attitude is, what will be, will be."

Sunderland are thought to be preparing to increase their bid for Stead, after Bob Murray attended Huddersfield's 3-1 win against Hull last weekend, when Stead scored the opener for the Terriers.

An SAFC spokesperson would only confirm "Mick McCarthy has expressed and confirmed an interest in Jon Stead and has been looking at a number of players in recent weeks."

Those other players are thought to be Swindon's Sam Parkin and Walsall's Paul Ritchie.