Ready Stead go for Sunderland

SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy faces competition as he attempts to make Blackburn striker Jon Stead his first signing of the close season.

The Black Cats have been given permission to talk to the 22-year-old after agreeing a fee thought to be £1.5million rising to £1.8million on appearances with a sell-on clause included with Rovers.

However, a second club rumoured to be Charlton are also interested in the Huddersfield-born player and have agreed a similar deal.