Crystal Palace have reportedly added Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu to their shortlist as they prepare for the expected departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea.
The South London club are set to lose the French centre-back after agreeing a £52 million deal with Chelsea, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Sky Germany journalist, Florian Plettenberg, reports that Crystal Palace are weighing up moves for Nwaiwu and FC Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima as potential replacements.
Despite Palace’s interest in the Nigerian, Matsima is believed to be their first-choice option.
The Premier League side have already had a €20 million offer for the 24-year-old turned down, with Augsburg demanding a higher transfer fee.
Nwaiwu is also attracting strong interest from Fulham, who have been negotiating with Trabzonspor for the defender in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Cottagers, although Fulham have yet to match Trabzonspor’s €30 million valuation.
Nwaiwu only arrived at the Turkish club from Austrian Bundesliga outfit Wolfsberger AC in January and has since become a regular in the team, impressing with a string of commanding displays at the heart of the defence.
