Bluebirds target Daggers' midfielder Taiwo.

CARDIFF City are closely watching the progress of Dagenham and Redbridge midfielder Solomon Taiwo.

Nigerian-born Taiwo, aged 24, is a talented midfield player who wore No 5 and was man of the match for the Daggers during their 3-1 Carling Cup defeat against the Bluebirds.

Dagenham manager John Still described Taiwo as 'the best player on the pitch' and he was certainly an influential figure for the Coca-Cola League Two club.

"He was playing non-league football last season and is an outstanding prospect," said Still.

It's clear manager Dave Jones has had scouts watching Dagenham for some time - and he has up-to-date reports on Taiwo.

"He's a player Cardiff have watched a fair bit," said a Dagenham source. "Solomon has the potential to play at a higher level."

The Bluebirds certainly need to strengthen their squad in central midfield, where Stephen McPhail, Gavin Rae and Joe Ledley are the main contenders.

Jones is a master at developing players with Roger Johnson, the central defender, a pounds 5m signing for Premier League Birmingham City, a prime example.

Taiwo, pictured right, a former Millwall academy product, experienced American football with Fort Wayne Fever. He has also played for Bromley, Maidenhead, Tooting and Mitcham, Weymouth, Chesham, Windsor and Sutton United.