Stead, 25 was signed by Neil Warnock in January 2007 during their Premier League campaign in a £750,000 deal from Sunderland - but with limited opportunities for a first team place has been allowed to join Portman Road outfit Ipswich town initially on loan until 1st January 2009 with a fee already agreed.
The Huddersfield born forward leaves the Lane have started 32 (+15) fixtures whilst scoring 11 goals in the process. He joins up with former Blade Alan Quinn for the Suffolk side and is likely to feature against the Blades when United travel to Portman Road in late November.