STRIKER Jon Stead is at the centre of a row over the conduct of his agent after snubbing Sunderland for a beat-the-deadline move to Blackburn, writes Clive Hetherington.

As Stead left Third Division Huddersfield for Premiership life at Ewood Park in a deal worth up to £1m, Sunderland chairman Bob Murray hit out at his representative, Leon Angel, claiming he had reneged on a verbal agreement that the 20-year-old goalscorer would join the Black Cats.

Sunderland had already failed in an £800,000 move for Stead, and Murray launched a last-ditch bid to land manager Mick McCarthy's long-time target when he faxed an increased offer to Huddersfield counterpart Ken Davy.

Although Davy accepted the revised bid, Blackburn had already been given permission to talk to Stead, who subsequently agreed terms and signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Murray said: "We're disappointed not to get Jon Stead and I personally feel let down by his agent.

"We faxed an improved offer to Huddersfield at 8pm last night (Sunday). It was accepted and they gave us permission to talk to the player.

"We thought it was happening and then his agent rang later saying that Jon had decided to go to Blackburn - despite stating over the weekend that he only wanted to come to Sunderland. This was totally contrary to all our earlier conversations.''

Murray added: "We cannot sign players from Premiership clubs once the window closes, but we can still take them on loan. We'll continue to look to strengthen at every opportunity."

Stead, who has scored 18 goals this season - one of them against Sunderland in Huddersfield's shock 4-2 Carling Cup win at the Stadium of Light, is determined to prove he is one of England's brightest young strikers.

Stead, who watched Blackburn lose at home to Chelsea on Sunday, said: "I am living the dream. Everyone wants this opportunity, I've got it.

"There are not many young English strikers knocking around and I feel that, in coming here, being and working with the players can only make me better.''

Manager Graeme Souness said: "Jon is a player we have watched and had good reports about. He has natural enthusiasm and ability. We believe he will prove to be a valuable asset.''

Meanwhile, Sunderland pair George McCartney and Jeff Whitley are included in the first Northern Ireland squad named by new boss Lawrie Sanchez.

Defender McCartney and midfielder Whitley figure in a party of 23 for the province's friendly against Norway in Belfast on February 18.

Sanchez was named as manager last month, pipping ex-Sunderland player Jimmy Nicholl to the job.

Whitley has seven caps for his country, while McCartney is set to pick up his 15th.

McCartney said: "It'll be a challenge for Jeff and myself because the new manager will have his own views on who should be in the team, and we'll have to prove ourselves all over again."

Sunderland winger John Oster is in the Wales squad for their friendly against Scotland at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on the same night.