Football
Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondent 7y

Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic nearing Zenit St Petersburg move - sources

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is to fly out to Spain to finalise his move to Zenit St Petersburg, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

Ivanovic will link up with Zenit during their winter training camp in Spain to put the finishing touches to his move to the Russian club.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte confirmed at his media briefing on Monday that Ivanovic was talking to another club about a move away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. 

Ivanovic, who is one of Chelsea's longest-serving players after joining from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2008, is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer and Chelsea have decided to let him leave early for free as a reward for his service to the club.

Serbia international Ivanovic has lost his spot in Antonio Conte's side after the Italian switched to a 3-4-3 formation  but he scored in what looks like his final appearance for the club in Saturday's 4-0 win over Brentford in the FA Cup.

The 32-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract with an option for a further year at Zenit.

^ Back to Top ^