Branislav Ivanovic

[Ollie 4,400]

Yeah badboy, i could agree with that. Ivo has been getting up the wings well lately though and i would think Alex is further up the pecking order as CB than Ivo. We're in a good position either way though. Ivanovic can play anywhere along the back line and this kind of player is priceless

[the wes 7,212]

Defender Branislav Ivanovic is set to be handed a new contract by Chelsea in order to head off interest from Real Madrid in next month's transfer window.

The Spaniards were looking to sign the 25-year-old next month after their influential defender Pepe was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

But Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has become an admirer of Ivanovic and is determined to keep him at the club, especially as right-back Jose Bosingwa is facing another two months on the sidelines with his knee problem.

Ivanovic, who joined Chelsea for £9.7million from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2007, made a slow start to his career at Stamford Bridge; however he has become an increasing influence on the first team over the past 12 months.

Ancelotti sees the right-back as vital to his first-team plans and Chelsea want to tie the player down to a new long-term deal.

As it stands, he will only have one year left on his contract at the end of this season but Chelsea will hope to extend it by another four years.

Ivanovic is believed to be keen to commit his long-term future but admits Chelsea, who face Birmingham on Boxing Day, need to address their recent poor form which has seen them win just once in the last five games.

Ancelotti's side have a four-point lead over Manchester United going into the Christmas programme and Ivanovic believes the title can be effectively wrapped up in the next month with a series of strong displays.

Fault

"It is a very strong league," said Ivanovic. "There are great teams, not just the big four. When you play away at the home of small teams you have to work hard because they defend strongly and try to score off set-pieces."

His words are particularly apt as Chelsea have been at fault from several dead-ball situations this season.

"You have to play every game to the maximum because, in the Premier League, they are all strong teams," he added.

"If something happens and you don't win, then the teams near to you in the league are very strong and can catch you.

"If you relax one per cent, you can lose goals and the result looks so different than if you played to your maximum.

"It is difficult to explain but I think that is why the Premier League is one of the best - for me the best in the world.

"I think you can win the title in December and January with the right performances. We are ready for the fight. We can do a very good job in this period if we are concentrated on every game."

SkySports

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Hopefully this will be an up yours to Real Madrid.

[Shane 2,275]

Unsung hero of the season.

Mr.Consistency.

[Badboy 1,526]

Yeah badboy, i could agree with that. Ivo has been getting up the wings well lately though and i would think Alex is further up the pecking order as CB than Ivo. We're in a good position either way though. Ivanovic can play anywhere along the back line and this kind of player is priceless

Yes very much like gallas, i just dont want bos to get sick and tired and leave for bayern.

[Alee. 182]

Brilliant Stuff. F*ck off Real Madrid.

[Badboy 1,526]

Ivanovic confesses Real dream

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic may have ended talk of a new contract at Stamford Bridge by admitting it would be a dream to play for Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old, a £9.7million signing from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2007, appears to have finally settled with the Blues and has been a regular in the plans of Carlo Ancelotti.

Ivanovic, who has taken advantage of Jose Bosingwa's injuries, is reported to have caught the eye of Real and Chelsea are said to be prepared to offer a new four-year deal to block the Spaniards.

But the Serbia international has hinted that he could be interested in a move to the Bernabeu, where the hunt is on for a replacement for Pepe after he was ruled out for the season with a knee problem.

Ivanovic said in the Daily Mail: "If it is true that Real Madrid are interested in me it would be an honour because the club is a dream for every player."

Skysports

Edited December 26, 2009 by Badboy

[boshman 1,073]

I hope he does sign. I think Ivanovic is a terrific player. I hope when Bosingwa comes back he doesn't get drafted out the team because he has played very well this year. I'd have him over Bosingwa any day of the week!

[Ollie 4,400]

Can play anywhere along the back 4 and do an equally solid job (well not sure bout LB). He's got everything as a defender. Still young too, he'll have many years with us.

[Ollie 4,400]

Well he can go but not yet and for shit loads of money. Every player in the world says "It would be a dream for me to play for Real Madrid" blah blah blah it's getting boring as hell zzzzzz change the fucking record.

[Laylabelle 9,534]

Real Madrid?! Fuck off bloody cheek even asking!

He said in the Daily Mail..more likley at first it was 'its an honour they're intrested in me'..only now means something completly differnt in media world

[Wilson 358]

Ivan wants to stay. We love you Ivan . Daily Mail though but for once there's quotes lol .

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1347730/Branislav-Ivanovic-vows-stay-Chelsea.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[True_Blue 469]

He should be up there with the top earners since he does deserve it.I would hate to see him go he is adapted young and consistent can't ask for more.But even if Real gets him he won't be sold cheap.

Edited January 16, 2011 by True_Blue

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I never doubted Ivanovic wouldn't leave.

The big question remains about Bosingwa.

[Madmax 9,219]

Carlo, sign him up!