Derby County Academy defender Luca Crolla has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old, who primarily operates at centre-back, arrived from Manchester City in the summer as a first-year scholar.

After missing the early weeks of the season due to injury, Crolla has become a regular for the Under-18s, featuring in impressive wins over Burnley and Blackburn Rovers in recent weeks, while he has also appeared for the Under-21s in Premier League 2.

Crolla has penned terms on a contract until the summer of 2028 with the Rams.

The defender, who qualifies for both England and St. Kitts and Nevis at international level, said: "I am very grateful to be given this opportunity and it means a lot, so it is something I want to make the most of.

"I have been working towards this moment for a long time, it feels amazing to achieve it.

"I feel I have settled in really well here at Derby County I know there’s a lot more to come."

Jamie Smith, Derby County’s Assistant Academy Manager, said: "Luca took the decision in the summer to leave his previous club and, since joining the Academy, he has integrated...