JON Stead is open to the prospect of signing for City on a permanent basis but is in no rush to make a decision on his future.

The former Blackburn and Sunderland striker joined the Bantams from Huddersfield in mid-October in a loan deal that runs until January 3.

His contract at Town expires at the end of the season and he would appear not to figure in Chris Powell's plans.

No discussions have yet taken place about Stead's situation but the 31-year-old hitman, who has forged a successful partnership with Billy Clarke, is enjoying his second loan stint at Valley Parade.

"I'm absolutely loving it here but as far as things go with Huddersfield, I don't know because I've not had any contact with them since before the FA Cup game at Halifax," said Stead, who is set to start in tomorrow's second-round tie at home to Dartford.

"Whether they are looking to extend the loan, I'm not sure, but I'll get to January 3 and then see what the situation is.

"I'd certainly be interested in staying here but for me, it's about securing my long-term future.

"If it means settling up at Huddersfield and then getting a contract somewhere else, then that's something I'd be interested in.

"My contract there is up at the end of the season and I don't want to be left without a club come the summer.

"I could always come on loan until the end of the season and look at it then.

"I don't think there is any real urgency to jump into anything – I'll just keep taking each game as they come."

Stead could be needed back at his parent club, however, as the Terriers are poised to lose on-loan Wigan striker Grant Holt.

New Latics boss Malky Mackay has said that Holt will be part of his plans when he returns from his loan at Huddersfield next month.

Furthermore, Huddersfield striker Martin Paterson has had to cut short his loan stay at Fleetwood.

Stead said: "I think Holt is there until after Christmas and Paterson has come back from Fleetwood with an injury, so that could affect things too.

"It's hard for me to say what I want to do because there are so many things which can change and affect decisions on both clubs' part. I can't second-guess what will happen at Bradford or Huddersfield.

"Like I said last month, it's just a case of getting to the end of the loan and then sitting down with everybody to find the best way forward.

"There is no great urgency on my part to make a decision and I don't think there will be from the two clubs either.

"What will be will be – but there is no hiding the fact that I am thoroughly enjoying it here."

Stead has scored three times in his last five appearances for City and his partnership with Clarke is flourishing.

"I'm enjoying myself and I think it's showing in how I'm playing," said Stead.

"Getting goals is always nice and the team is winning, which always helps.

"Billy is an extremely clever player and I played with him at Ipswich, so I know all about him.

"His movement is great and I think when you've got two players who can strike up a partnership, then it definitely helps.

"But Jim (James Hanson) is there waiting and we have to really be on our toes to make sure we are in the starting line-up.

"I'm more than happy with the way everything is going, not just for myself but for the whole group, because we have worked hard to turn things around."

City boss Phil Parkinson said of Stead's situation: "Jon has done terrifically well for us and at the moment we're taking it on a game-by-game basis.

"When the time is right, we will sit down with the chairmen and see where we go from there."

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored twice in a trial match for City last month but the former Wolves striker is currently nursing a hamstring strain.

Parkinson said: "I haven't spoken to him for the last ten days but we said we would touch base when he is back to full fitness."

Andy Halliday (illness) and Francois Zoko (hamstring) remain doubtful for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Dartford.

But Filipe Morais is fit again after a shoulder injury, while Ben Williams will replace Jordan Pickford between the posts.