Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu from Trabzonspor as they prepare for the expected departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea.
The UEFA Conference League champions have identified the 23-year-old Nigerian centre-back as one of their defensive targets ahead of the new season, with Lacroix reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Nwaiwu has emerged as one of the most sought-after Nigerian defenders in Europe since joining Trabzonspor during the winter transfer window. The former Enyimba captain quickly established himself as a key figure for the Turkish club, impressing with his composure, physicality and consistency at the heart of the defence.
His impressive performances in the Turkish Super Lig also earned him a maiden Super Eagles call-up, with the defender making his senior international debut in Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Iran in March.
Palace are now closely monitoring the Nigerian's situation as they step up plans to reinforce their backline before the start of the new campaign.
According to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima remains Palace's first-choice target. However, Nwaiwu is viewed as a strong alternative should the Premier League club fail to secure the French defender's signature.
Palace's interest further intensifies the battle for Nwaiwu, with fellow Premier League side Fulham also credited with a strong interest in the Trabzonspor defender as his stock continues to rise.
