The Black Cats boss has been impressed with the on-loan striker's form for Derby since he joined on loan.
He has netted 3 times (divide that by 3 and you will find out the total number of goals he scored for Sunderland last season).
Stead narrowly missed out on the Championship player of the month award and is understood to be reluctant to leave Pride Park.
Lewin Nyatanga, on loan from Derby, hasn't set the world alight since joining Sunderland and looks set to be sent back to The Rams.