Carlisle snap up Taiwo from Chelsea

06 January 2010 14:10
The 19-year-old midfielder, who made 28 appearances and scored one goal during his loan spell at Brunton Park this season, has now signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One club.[LNB]Abbott told the club's official website: "Tom is exactly the type of player that we want at this club.[LNB]"We have seen from the games he has played that he is committed and always gives 100%, and he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with us.[LNB]"We are now looking forward to working with him and watching him improve even further, because we think he has a heck of a lot still to give."[LNB]Taiwo added: "I know I have to keep working hard, and signing a permanent deal doesn't change that, but that's exactly what I intend to do."[LNB]Taiwo's arrival at Stamford Bridge led to Leeds chairman Ken Bates complaining about Chelsea attempting to poach Taiwo and two other academy scholars, with Michael Woods also moving but Danny Rose staying at Elland Road.[LNB]Following an investigation by the Football Association and Premier League, the two clubs agreed a settlement to resolve the matter - but Taiwo has struggled to make an impression with the current Premier League leaders.[LNB]The 19-year-old midfielder, who made seven appearances for the reserves during his time with Chelsea but did not play for the first team, has agreed a deal with Carlisle until 2012.[LNB]Meanwhile, Chelsea could be among the clubs alerted to fresh comments from Valencia striker David Villa stating he is still open to a move away from Spain.[LNB]The 28-year-old, who has previously been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, did not want to move away from the country last summer as his wife was pregnant.[LNB]"At that time I had my own personal reasons," he told Sky Sports News. "At that moment, when it looked like I might have to leave Valencia, it's true there were a few problems, or personal reasons why I wanted to continue playing in Spain.[LNB]"I certainly didn't want to move away from Spain. But I'll analyse it again and this summer will be different. You don't know what is going to happen."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk