Premier League side Crystal Palace have identified Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu as a potential replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who is close to sealing a move to Chelsea, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace have reached an agreement with Chelsea for Lacroix's transfer in a deal worth £52 million. The South London club have now stepped up their search for a defensive replacement ahead of the new season.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Nwaiwu is among the centre-backs being considered by Palace, alongside FC Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima. However, Matsima is currently viewed as the club's preferred option after Palace's opening €20 million bid was rejected by the Bundesliga outfit, who are demanding a higher transfer fee.
Despite Palace's interest, Fulham remain firmly in the race for Nwaiwu's signature. The Cottagers have been in discussions with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor for several weeks and have already reached an agreement on personal terms with the Nigerian international.
Fulham are yet to match Trabzonspor's €30 million valuation of the 22-year-old, with negotiations between the two clubs still ongoing.
Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC in January and quickly established himself as one of the club's standout performers, delivering a string of impressive displays to become a key figure in the heart of the defence.