West Brom are reportedly in the hunt for Chelse defender Bransilav Ivanovic who is on the cusp of completing a move to Zenit St Petersburg.
According to Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports, Premier League side West Brom have joined Russian club Zenit St Petersburg in the race to secure the services of wantaway Chelsea defender Bransilav Ivanovic.
Recent reports stated that the Serbian was on the verge of signing a two-and-a-year deal with Zenit, after falling down the pecking order at Chelsea. Manager Antonio Conte’s transition to a back three has seen the 32-year-old struggle for game time.
Since his move from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008, Ivanovic has gone on to become one of Chelsea’s most influential players. His versatility in defence has helped guide the Blues to two league titles, but it appears that his Stamford Bridge career has now run its course.
After making just six league starts this season, Ivanovic has made it clear that he wants to play on a more regular basis. It appeared that a move to Russia was imminent, but the interest from the Baggies may complicate things.
West Brom boss Tony Pulis was in the crowd at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, where he saw the defender score in Chelsea’s resounding 4-0 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup. The Englishman is looking to snap up the services of the 32-year-old on a free transfer before the closure of the transfer window.
Ivanovic is likely to fancy a move to the Hawthorns, as it is understood that he wants to stay put in England. Fellow Premier League side Everton are also keeping a close eye on the Chelsea outcast and have seen him as an ideal replacement for long-serving centre-back and captain Phil Jagielka.
Crystal Palace and Juventus are among the other clubs that have shown an interest in roping in the defender. It remains to be seen which clubs do make a formal offer for the Serbian, but it is fair to say that he may have played his last game for the London outfit.