Bali Mumba has put pen to paper on his first professional contract today.

The midfielder, who joined the club aged eight, has signed a deal ‘til the summer of 2021.

An England youth international, Mumba, 17, made his senior debut on the final day of last season against Wolverhampton Wanderers before going on to play a regular role during the club's 2018 pre-season schedule.

The youngster then started the Lads’ opening Sky Bet League One fixture at the Stadium of Light against Charlton Athletic, and has since made two appearances for Jack Ross’ side.

Speaking about the deal, Mumba said: “I am delighted to sign this because it has been a long wait.

“It is what I have been dreaming about since I was a kid. All the hard work is beginning to pay off and my family and I are all buzzing about it.

“It is a proud day for us all – I am just delighted to be able to stay at this club.

“My family have done so much for me over the years. They have helped me get here on a daily basis and for them I am truly grateful.

“To share it with them is amazing because they deserve this bit. They have done so much to help me get to where I am now and I am just so thankful to have them by my side.

He continued: “It has been an amazing few months for me at this club. I can still remember my first day, how it was like and where I am now.

“I am truly grateful and thankful for everything everyone has done to help me get to where I am now, but this is where the hard work starts again.”

Jack Ross added: “We are delighted to be able to retain our best young players and our most promising players. I think for the club as a whole it is a really good reflection on the academy.

“They have brought him through and now he wants to stay. He is undoubtedly someone who will attract attention throughout the country because of his ability but hopefully it is a real statement of our intent about how we want to move the club forward.”

Usher in the deal by getting your hands on a Mumba No.37 shirt!