The standout season behind Everton’s hunt for Chibuike Nwaiwu deal

Everton are understood to be chasing Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu.

The Blues are set to complete their first signing of the summer, after agreeing a deal with Middlesbrough for Hayden Hackney.

It looks as though their business is set to heat up in the coming weeks, and the midfielder may be just the start.

The Friedkin Group need to hand David Moyes significant investment and the recruitment team need to identify players who are ready to contribute straight away.

Whether Nwaiwu fits that description remains to be seen, as he has just three caps for Nigeria.

He had a standout campaign last season, and the Toffees are not alone in their interest.

Why are Everton and others chasing Chibuike Nwaiwu

Everton are one of three English clubs who are looking at the Nigerian defender.

A report from Turkish outlet Fotomac claims that the Blues are investigating the 22-year-old ahead of a potential deal.

It also states that Fulham and West Ham have put him on their shortlists for the window.

Nwaiwu played 16 times in the Super Lig last season and he notched three goals from the back, per Fotmob.

He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, recording a 91.3 per cent pass completion.

Defensively, he made 2.34 tackles, 6.60 ball recoveries and 4.12 clearances per game, so it makes sense that he is attracting interest from big teams.

Why do Everton want to sign a centre-back?

There will be questions over whether the L3 outfit need to sign a centre-back, with other priorities taking focus.

It is the only position where they may have too much depth with Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jake O'Brien all capable of starting.

However, Tarkowski and Keane are coming towards the end of their careers, so it makes sense to bring in a younger option, for long-term planning.

The young defender was described as "a quality player" by Yemi Olarenwaju, who was assistant manager of the Nigeria Under-17 side.

It might not be an immediate addition for the first-team, but he seems like a good option for a backup or squad role with the Merseysiders untilhe eventually becomes a senior star.

The Friedkins have signed plenty of young players with the hopes that they will come good, and Nwaiwu would be the latest example of that strategy, which is yet to show results.