Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has revealed that he tried to sign striker Jon Stead prior to the Sheffield United man joining the Blues on loan on Monday. Warnock previously signed Stead when he was manager of the Blades.

The Eagles boss confirmed his interest in the former England U21 international: "Stead was one of our forward targets."

It appears Warnock was close to signing Stead in addition to former Town frontman Alan Lee when the Blues came in for the ex-Blackburn, Sunderland and Huddersfield striker ahead of the transfer window's closure on Monday.

Town have agreed to take Stead on loan until January with a fee believed to be £600,000 payable if the Blues then decide to make the switch a permanent one.

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