Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Blues confirm Ivanovic move

15 Jan 2008 - 17:18:04

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Chelsea have agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow to sign defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The 23-year-old captained the Serbian side which reached the final of last year's UEFA Under-21 European Championship and was also named in the team of the tournament.

The defender had previously been mentioned as a possible £8million target for Manchester United, where he would link up with international team-mate Nemanja Vidic.

However, with the Blues keen to bolster their defence in the continued absence through injury of captain John Terry, coach Avram Grant has made a move to land the highly-rated youngster.

Ivanovic, who can play anywhere across the back four, has won nine full international caps and scored one goal for the fledgling nation.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow for the transfer of Branislav Ivanovic," read a club statement.

"A work permit application has also been successful for the player.

"The transfer is now subject to the agreement of personal terms and passing of the medical."