CITY have completed a deadline-day swoop for Burton forward Charles Vernam.

The 24-year-old, who can play as a winger as well as down the middle, has joined for a significant five-figure fee.

Vernam, who has signed an 18-month deal, becomes City’s eighth capture of the window after they beat off competition from clubs in Leagues One and Two. They were thought to include Bolton and Mansfield.

A product of the Derby academy, the versatile Vernam has made 16 appearances this season and scored two goals.

He joined the Brewers in the summer after three years with Grimsby, where he won the 2020 Mitre Goal of the Season award for a stunning length-of-the-field run against Colchester.

Vernam said: “It is great to have got the move sorted. As soon as I heard of the interest from Bradford City, I knew where I needed to be.

“I remember playing here last season for Grimsby, and the stadium was pretty much full.

“You do not forget those sorts of moments and I want to be able to experience that kind of an atmosphere again.

“It is a massive club with a big footballing community, which is an important part of being a player. You want to be somewhere where you feel important and wanted by the supporters.

“I am here to show people what I am about, which is attacking football. I like to take people on, score and assist. I believe I can bring that to this football club to hopefully help us climb the table.”

City’s joint-interim managers, Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars, said: “Charlie is another player we have had our eyes on for quite some time, so are naturally delighted to have been able to get him in the building - prior to the end of the transfer window.

“He has bags of ability and plenty of potential and can be deployed in various roles across our attack.

“A number of other clubs - at this level and higher - showed interest in him, which speaks volumes of how much he wanted to play for Bradford City.

“He carries a lot of qualities which will benefit us and, again, brings something fresh and different to our squad. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do in claret and amber.”