SUNDERLAND risk losing out on striker Jon Stead after Huddersfield Town raised the asking price to nearer £1.5m.

And in a new twist, Nottingham Forest have emerged as genuine rivals for Stead's signature.

Forest have accepted a £500,000 bid from First Division foes West Ham United for Marlon Harewood, who was refusing to sign an extension to his contract at the City Ground.

Manager Paul Hart has run out of patience with Harewood and has agreed to sell him on to the Hammers.

Stead is now being considered by Hart as a ready-made replacement, meaning Sunderland will have to act fast if they are to stand a chance of capturing the prolific front-man.

Forest were one of several clubs who sent scouts, along with Sunderland chairman Bob Murray, to see Stead in action during the 3-1 win over Hull City ten days ago.

On Saturday the powerful young forward scored an impressive double in the 3-3 draw with Mansfield Town, adding a few more thousand to his value.

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, his need for a fresh face in the final third highlighted by another blank in the 3-0 defeat at Crewe, is already making contingency plans if a deal fails to materialise.

He had club representatives watching Swindon Town's Sam Parkin and Cambridge's Luke Guttridge at the weekend.

McCarthy has also conceded that he does not intend to wait around forever in his bid for Stead, as Huddersfield seem intent on pricing the Black Cats out of the equation.

Forest and Sunderland do hold the upper hand at the moment, as only Football League clubs can sign players before the opening of the transfer window in January.

But as soon as the New Year arrives, Huddersfield are privately hoping there will be contact with a number of Premiership clubs.

Manchester United, Everton, Southampton, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Fulham, Blackburn, Leeds, Liverpool and Celtic have all watched the player, who has scored 14 times this season.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have secured the services of young winger Stewart Downing for another month.

The teenager has impressed during his four games since arriving from North-East neighbours Middlesbrough on loan.

Downing was due to return to Boro after this weekend's home match with Burnley, but McCarthy has been able to keep him at the Stadium of Light until the end of the year.

The England Under-20 international can now play in Sunderland's next six matches, including those over the hectic festive period.

McCarthy confirmed: "Everything's sorted with Stewart, he's here for another month."

Downing could still sign until the end of the season, although Boro and the player have both ruled out a permanent switch.

Sunderland have been linked with experienced Russian defender Viktor Onopko, after he suggested he would be willing to join an ambitious English club outside the Premiership.

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