Crystal Palace are monitoring Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu as a possible replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who is set to complete a £52 million move to Chelsea, according to reports.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Crystal Palace and Chelsea have reached an agreement over the sale of the French centre-back. The Eagles are now assessing options to fill the void left by the departing Lacroix.

Nwaiwu among Palace's options

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Nwaiwu is one of several defenders on Crystal Palace's shortlist, with FC Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima also under consideration. Matsima, however, is understood to be the club's preferred choice.

Palace have already made a move for Matsima, submitting a €20 million offer that Augsburg promptly rejected. The Bundesliga club are holding firm for a higher fee, leaving the negotiations at a standstill.

Fulham lead the race for Nwaiwu

While Crystal Palace consider their options, Fulham remain the frontrunners for the 22-year-old Nigeria international. The Cottagers have been in discussions with Trabzonspor for several weeks and have already agreed personal terms with Nwaiwu — though a deal is yet to be concluded.

The sticking point is Trabzonspor's €30 million asking price, which Fulham have so far been unable to meet. The Turkish club have shown little willingness to lower their demands.

Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC in January and wasted little time establishing himself as a commanding presence at the heart of defence. His performances have attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs within months of his arrival.