Crystal Palace Eye Nwaiwu As Replacement For Chelsea-Bound Defender

Crystal Palace have identified Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu as a potential replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who is on the brink of completing a move to Chelsea, 

The Eagles have already reached an agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of the French centre-back in a deal worth £52 million, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Nwaiwu is among the defenders being considered by Crystal Palace, alongside FC Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima.

However, Matsima is understood to be Palace’s preferred target. The Premier League club have already seen a €20 million bid for the 24-year-old rejected by Augsburg, with the Bundesliga side holding out for a higher fee.

Nwaiwu, meanwhile, remains a top target for Fulham, who have been in talks with Trabzonspor over the Nigeria international for several weeks.

The 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the Cottagers, but Fulham are yet to meet Trabzonspor’s €30 million asking price.

Nwaiwu only joined the Turkish club from Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC in January and quickly established himself as a key figure in the heart of the defence with a series of impressive performances.