Chelsea defender Ivanovic is turning heads at Spanish giants Real Madrid

Chelsea face a fight to keep much improved defender Branislav Ivanovic, with Real Madrid eager to sign the Serbia international next month.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.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. The Real deal: Branislav Ivanovic in action for Chelsea against Portsmouth last weekSergio 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.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.Chelsea are closing in on Monaco's Croatia international midfielder, Jerko Leko. 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