Crystal Palace have identified Chibuike Nwaiwu as a possible replacement for French centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who appears set to join Chelsea.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace and Chelsea have reached an agreement for Lacroix’s transfer, with the deal valued at £52 million.
Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg adds that Nwaiwu is among the candidates being considered by Palace, alongside FC Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima. However, Plettenberg notes that Matsima remains Palace’s top target. FC Augsburg have already turned down a €20 million bid from the Eagles for their 24-year-old defender.
Meanwhile, Nwaiwu has agreed personal terms with Fulham, who have been making a strong push to sign him from Trabzonspor in recent weeks. Trabzonspor are reportedly holding out for €30 million for the Nigerian international, who only joined the Turkish club from Austria’s Wolfsberger AC in January.
