Fulham and Crystal Palace are reportedly monitoring Super Eagles defender, Chibuike Nwaiwu, ahead of the January transfer window, with his club, Trabzonspor, said to be demanding between €30 million and €35 million for his signature.
According to Turkish outlet, A Spor, which broke the report on October 30, and subsequently relayed by Afrik-Foot, both Premier League sides are interested in securing the services of the 23-year-old defender.
However, neither club has officially confirmed an approach for the Nigerian international.
Nwaiwu has established himself as a key figure at Trabzonspor, starting all nine of the club’s league matches this season and scoring once. His passing accuracy has also been put at an impressive 88.7 percent by Afrik-Foot.
Fulham are understood to have made several attempts to sign the defender during the summer transfer window, but their bids were reportedly rejected by the Turkish club.
The London-based side are now considering an improved offer in January, as they seek to strengthen their defence, having conceded 10 goals in eight league matches.
Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested in the Nigerian and could emerge as competition for Fulham.
Palace have struggled defensively this season, conceding 20 goals in nine league matches, while recording two victories and suffering six defeats.
Nwaiwu’s consistent performances at Trabzonspor have reportedly attracted the attention of both Premier League clubs, although the Turkish side’s valuation could prove a major obstacle to any potential transfer.
With Trabzonspor reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of €30 million to €35 million, any January move would likely require a substantial financial commitment.
For now, no agreement has been reached, and the defender remains contracted to Trabzonspor, as the January transfer window approaches.
