Citizens monitoring Chelsea full-back’s contract saga
Manchester City are keeping tabs on Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic, according to reports.
The Serbian international has just a few months left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, meaning he could be available for free come the summer.
However, reports yesterday emerged claiming a deal in principle had been agreed between Chelsea and Ivanovic, meaning his stay at the club would be extended by a further one-year.
Ivanovic has yet to put pen to paper on the deal, but all the formalities are reportedly in place for him to stay on for another 12-months.
With the 31-year-old set to officially sign the contract, City are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation and could make a shock swoop for the versatile defender if he doesn’t end up signing the contract.
City’s Defensive Options
City currently have Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna as right-back options, but they could revert Ivanovic to his former position of centre-back.
Questions have been raised regarding Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala, with the duo failing to impress since making their moves to the Etihad Stadium, and City officials believe Ivanovic could add much needed stability to the back-line in Vincent Kompany‘s absence.
The Belgian centre-half is having an injury-hit season this year, and with fears over his long-term fitness, City are weighing up their options for the future.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
