Source: Daily_Mail
Real deal: Spanish giants Madrid circle Chelsea for £9m utility man Ivanovic
Chelsea could face a tough fight to hold onto Branislav Ivanovic with Real Madrid circling Stamford Bridge to snap up the highly-rated Serbia utility man.[LNB]The defender, who signed for the Blues from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2008, has emerged as one of Real's top transfer targets when the window re-opens as they search to replace long-term absentee Pepe.[LNB]Real deal: Madrid are keen on Branislav Ivanovic[LNB]The Portugual defender looks set to miss the remainder of the season after damaging his cruciate ligaments and Madrid have identified Ivanovic as a direct replacement, according to Spanish sports daily Marca which has close links to the La Liga giants.[LNB]However, Carlo Ancelotti is not willingly to let his first-choice right-back to leave and Russian owner Roman Abramovich is said to reluctant to part with the player he signed for the best part of £9million.[LNB]The Spanish giants are keen to tigthen up their defence, which has leaked 24 goals in 23 games so far this season, and have been impressed with the Serb's versatility.[LNB]But Ivanovic, who has featured 20 times this term, has another 18 months left to run on his Stamford Bridge contract and Chelsea would not be looking to cash in on the 25-year-old until after the World Cup, providing he fails to agree an extended new deal.[LNB]Real Madrid, who spent £225m on new recruits last summer - including a world record £80m fee for Cristiano Ronaldo, have also been widely linked with a move for Inter Milan star Maicon and Manchester United defender Jonny Evans next month.[LNB] Neville predicts tightest title race ever - but has no sympathy for ChelseaWest Ham offered Chelsea flop Kezman as Zola eyes January salesCapello will have final say over Terry, say FA on under-fire Chelsea captainCHELSEA FC
