Derby County’s promising young striker Charles Vernam has signed a new contract with the club.

Vernam, 20, has signed a new deal which will run until the end of the 2018/19 campaign.





The frontman has been in fine form for Derby’s Under 23s this season in Premier League 2 and is their leading marksman with seven goals.





Vernam has progressed through the Rams’ Academy system since originally agreeing to join in 2012, impressing at Under 18, Under 21 and Under 23 level.





His fine early-season form was rewarded with a call-up to the first-team squad for last Saturday’s home fixture against Norwich City.





Although he was not named in the matchday squad, he gained valuable experience of being in the first-team environment for a key Sky Bet Championship fixture.





Manager Steve McClaren commented: “Charles is a talented young footballer and he’s had a really good season so far for the Under 23s.







“We feel he deserves this new contract for the progress he’s made, but he knows that there’s still plenty of hard work ahead as well.





“There’s a lot of potential there with Charles to work with and he scores goals. We’re looking forward to seeing how he develops in the years ahead.”





Vernam began his scholarship with Derby in the summer of 2013, joining from Scunthorpe United, before turning professional two years later.





He was a key part of the Under 21 squad that secured promotion from Division 2 last season to the top flight, prior to the Premier League revamping the competition to Under 23 level.





Vernam enjoyed a spell in Icelandic football earlier this year, playing 12 times on loan at ÍB Vestmannaeyja during the summer on a two-month loan deal.





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