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Derby have confirmed they have enquired about Ipswich striker Jon Stead.

The Rams` strikeforce has been decimated by injury this season. Steve Davies and Chris Porter are long-term absentees while James Vaughan, on loan from Everton, recently returned to Goodison Park for treatment on a knee injury that will keep him out until the end of November.

Stead, 26, scored three goals in 17 appearances during a three-month loan spell at Derby in 2006.

Ipswich manager Roy Keane stated on Monday that he was unaware of any contact from the Rams regarding Stead.

But Derby boss Nigel Clough said: "Jon Stead is a player that we have asked about. However, I don't think that there will be any movement in this direction at the moment."

The Rams are keen to extend Fredrik Stoor`s loan spell - providing the Fulham right-back can recover from an ankle injury.

The Swede will miss Tuesday`s game at Middlesbrough after twisting his ankle against Leicester on Saturday. The 25-year-old, who has helped the Rams keep consecutive clean sheets, is also a doubt for the final game of his month-long spell at Pride Park when QPR visit at the weekend.

"So long as Freddie is going to be fit a week after that game, we will look to extend the loan because he has settled in and done very well indeed," said Clough.

"There are only two games after QPR so if he is going to be fit for those, we will extend the loan. If he is going to be doubtful, then there will not be much point. We would then try to pick it up after the international break in November."

Clough added: "Freddie looks very comfortable on the ball and he is quick. We needed a little bit more pace in the side and even at right-back, it helps.

"I think he has improved as each game has gone on. His ankle has reduced in size since Saturday. It was badly swollen after the Leicester game."

Eurosport