Taiwo (centre) has thrived at Carlisle United

Carlisle have signed Chelsea midfielder Tom Taiwo for an undisclosed fee after a successful three-month loan spell.

Taiwo, 19, has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal after playing in 19 of their 22 league games, scoring once.

He also figured in the club's run to the FA Cup third round, impressing in the narrow defeat by Everton.

Taiwo came through the Leeds academy but was signed by Chelsea in August 2008, prompting a £5m out-of-court settlement between the two clubs.

United chairman Ken Bates had approached the Football Association regarding alleged illegal approaches for Taiwo and two other players.

606: DEBATE Great news, top player, one of the best midfielders in League One CARLISLEAFC

However following his move to Stamford Bridge, Taiwo failed to make a single appearance for the club's first team, and spent a month on loan with Port Vale in September 2008, as well as undergoing a trial in the US Major League Soccer with Seattle Sounders in March 2009.

Taiwo is available for the trip to Millwall, as well as Carlisle's Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-final with boyhood club Leeds United.

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