Burton Albion could be set to sign Grimby Town’s out-of-contract forward Charles Vernam after the player rejected a new deal to stay with the League Two club, according to reports.
Vernam was one to the Mariners most improved players this season, making a real impact towards the end of the season at Blundell Park.
The 23-year-old netted seven times for Ian Holloway’s side after he returned following a brief loan spell at Chorley. The highlight of his season was a hat-trick against Colchester where the former Derby County man netted a contender for goal of the season, running from inside his own half to finish from the edge of the box.
He was offered a new deal by Holloway at the end of this season but has opted to leave Blundell Park and could be about to sign for League One Burton, according to former agent and football scout James Goodwin.
I'm told that Grimsby's Charles Vernam is likely to surface at Burton Albion after rejecting a deal with the Mariners
— Ex Agent James Goodwin (@ex_goodwin) July 6, 2020
Vernam had struggled to make an impact with the Mariners when he originally signed for them in 2018. This came off the back of a loan spell at the end of the previous campaign where he netted once in nine appearances.
However, after going on loan to Chorley, scoring three times in five matches for the National League side, he was recalled to Grimsby where he went on an impressive scoring run and did enough for the club to offer him a new deal.
His decision will be disappointing news for the Mariners, but League One football with Burton, who are starting life under new manager Jake Buxton in 2020/21, appears to be a tempting prospect for Vernam.
Burton finished mid-table in the third tier this season and will be looking for new blood after losing both Liam Boyce and Scott Fraser, two key players at the Pirelli Stadium.