Transfer Rumour: Juventus enter race to sign Branislav Ivanovi?
Seria A champions, Juventus, are reportedly eyeing a move for Chelsea outcast, Branislav Ivanovic, according to Italian media source, Tuttosport. Juventus will have to fight it out with AC Milan and Crystal Palace for the signature of the 32-year-old Serbian international.
The Chelsea man has played over 400 games for the Stamford Bridge outfit and has been one of their most consistent performers over the years. But Ivanovic has fallen well down the pecking order under Antonio Conte.
Also Read: EPL transfer rumour: Crystal Palace consider move for out-of-favour Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic
The 32-year-old is in his final year of his current contract and a renewal doesn’t look likely to happen. AC Milan and Crystal Palace have kept tabs on the developing situation surrounding the Serbian at Stamford Bridge.
With his contract coming to an end in June, Chelsea are looking to sell the full-back in January for some value rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.
The Turin-based club is looking to strengthen the full-back position and Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri sees an important role for Ivanovic at Juventus.
AC Milan are also in the race for the Serbian to give their side the much-needed experience, leadership and to add steel to their defence. Milan manager Vincenzo Montella is looking to build upon his team’s good start to their new season and sees the Chelsea man as a key part of his plans.
Juventus and AC Milan will also face the challenge from another London side, Crystal Palace, who are very interested in getting the signature of the defender. Alan Pardew's side has had a rocky start to their season which is much down to their shoddy defence and Pardew sees the Chelsea man as a fix for the things.
Also Read: Chelsea Transfer Rumours: West Ham keen on signing out-of-favour Branislav Ivanovic
With Conte switching to 3-4-3 and impressive performances put in by the defensive trio of David Luiz, Gary Cahill, and Cesar Azpilicueta, and with Kurt Zouma and John Terry still on the fringes to make their way back into the first team, a return for the Serbian international in Chelsea's matchday squad under Conte looks highly unlikely.
A move away from Stamford Bridge could be the best thing for the Serbian international.
With big clubs flocking in to get Ivanovic, Chelsea will be happy to cash in on him in the upcoming January transfer window.
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