Striker Jon Stead’s loan move to Coventry is back on and is expected to go through later this afternoon. The 26-year-old was understood to have rejected the switch last week, but Coventry came back in for the former Sheffield United man early this morning and Stead is currently at the Ricoh Arena to sign on the dotted line.
The move can only be for a maximum 93 days which would take the former England U21 international to end of the season proper but not the play-off final if the Sky Blues are involved.
Earlier today, manager Roy Keane expected Stead to be in his squad for Tuesday’s game at Peterborough having been at training on Sunday, but Coventry boss Chris Coleman subsequently made another move for the striker.
Keane confirmed reports that Stead’s wife is currently pregnant but didn’t think that would have a bearing on the move: "I wouldn’t have thought so, not if it’s a loan deal, but you’ll have to ask Steady that. I’m aware she’s pregnant.
"I don’t know if that comes into a player’s mindset, I know it wouldn’t come into mine, but some players are different.”
According to a report, the clubs have agreed a £500,000 fee for the deal to be made permanent in the summer. Stead, who joined the Blues from Sheffield United for £600,000 in August 2008, is contracted to Town until June 2011.
Meanwhile, Keane refused to comment on reports that he had made a move for Cardiff City left-back Mark Kennedy: "We make enquires for lots of players and we get different feedback and I wouldn’t comment on certain individuals, certainly not.”
The Blues boss says there has been no progress on bringing in any further loan additions: "It’s been very, very quiet. As I’ve said, with the number of players we have, if I really can’t get in a player that I think will improve us, then I won’t be doing any business.
"But that changes on a day-to-day basis. Overall, in terms of the numbers we have, I’m fairly pleased.”
Connor Wickham and Lee Martin are both over their injuries and will come into contention for Tuesday’s squad.