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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, Completesports.com reports.
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.
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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.
By Adeboye Amosu
