Stead joins Sunderland

Sunderland have clinched the signing of one of their major transfer targets as Blackburn striker Jon Stead has completed a £1.8m move to the Stadium of Light.

The 22-year-old frontman, who opted for Ewood Park rather than Wearside when he left hometown club Huddersfield in January last year, signed a four-year deal this evening to hand Black Cats’ boss Mick McCarthy a major breakthrough.

“It feels fantastic to be a Sunderland player,” he said.

“Everything was a bit of a shock, but I am finally putting on the red and white after wearing blue and white in my career, so I am delighted and looking forward to it.

“I had a choice between Sunderland and Charlton, I spoke to both parties and had a look around. It was just the feeling I got when I came here, when I saw the training ground and stadium, and especially after speaking to the manager.

“He assured me this was the place to be, and I am sure it is. It is a massive club, a Premiership club and I have every confidence we will be a Premiership club for many seasons to come.

“I would not have come here if I did not think 100% we can do it.”

Stead's decision brings a successful conclusion to McCarthy's pursuit of a player who has been capped at under-21 level by England and adds strength to a strike-force that has been ripped apart since the end of last season.

“I am thrilled to have Jonathan on board,” McCarthy said. “He is an England Under-21 international and he has scored goals in the Premier League, so he is a great signing for us.

“Jonathan is the kind of lad who will fit into our squad and team ethic straight away.”

McCarthy has made no secret of his admiration for Stead and decided to make his move when it became clear that he was no longer part of Rovers manager Mark Hughes’ plans.

That Sunderland managed to fight off a more established Premiership club in Charlton is a boost following McCarthy’s decisions not to renew the contracts of Marcus Stewart or Brian Deane and allow Michael Bridges to leave.

Stead becomes the club’s third summer signing after Waterford striker Daryl Murphy and Gillingham full-back Nyron Nosworthy.