Chelsea defender Ivanovic is turning heads at Spanish giants Real Madrid

23 December 2009 07:59
Chelsea face a fight to keep much improved defender Branislav Ivanovic, with Real Madrid eager to sign the Serbia international next month.[LNB]Real want Ivanovic as a replacement for Portugal central defender Pepe, who is expected to be out for the rest of the season with knee-ligament damage.[LNB]Former Lokomotiv Moscow defender Ivanovic tops a list which also includes Manchester United's Jonny Evans and is the preferred choice because of his ability to operate at right back.[LNB] The Real deal: Branislav Ivanovic in action for Chelsea against Portsmouth last week[LNB]Sergio Ramos, current occupant of the Madrid right-back spot, has seen his stock fall at the Bernabeu and Ivanovic is viewed as a long-term replacement there once Pepe has recovered.[LNB]Ivanovic made a slow start after moving to Chelsea in January 2008, but has made 20 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side so far this season. His deal has 18 months left.[LNB]Chelsea are closing in on Monaco's Croatia international midfielder, Jerko Leko.[LNB] Fabio Capello is on top of the world, says Chelsea boss Carlo AncelottiJohn Terry's judgment is already in question, now he says Michael Ballack is the world's No 2 player!CHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail