Report: Fulham, Palace eye Nwaiwu, but Trabzonspor wanted €30m+

Fulham and Crystal Palace are reportedly watching Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu ahead of the January window, but Trabzonspor reportedly wanted €30m to €35m for him.

The report came from Turkish outlet A Spor on 30 October and was relayed by Afrik-Foot a day later. No club has confirmed an approach.

Nwaiwu, 23, has started all nine of Trabzonspor's league games this season and scored once. Afrik-Foot put his passing accuracy at 88.7 per cent.

Fulham's summer bids, Palace's problem

Fulham reportedly tried to sign him in the summer and made several bids that Trabzonspor refused. They are reportedly considering an improved offer in January, with their defence having conceded ten goals in eight league games.

Palace are reportedly interested too and could compete with Fulham. They have conceded 20 goals in nine league games, with two wins and six defeats.

Analysis: Two clubs with defensive needs, one big price tag

The reports line up neatly. Both clubs have leaked plenty of goals, and Nwaiwu has been an ever-present at the back for his club.

The price is the obstacle. If Trabzonspor still want anything close to the figure reported for the summer, a January deal would need a bid that clears it. Fulham are already part of the Nigerian conversation, with Calvin Bassey's contract situation in the news, and Soccernet has also followed another Super Eagles midfielder who could move in January.

Nothing is agreed, and January is still two months away.