Juventus are interested in making a January move for out of favour Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic as cover for Dani Alves and Leonardo Bonucci, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The reigning Serie A champions are set to be without Alves for the foreseeable future after the former Barcelona right-back broke his leg at the weekend, while Bonucci has been sidelined for the next two months with a hamstring injury.
Given Juventus’ preference to play a back five it has left Max Allegri’s side short at the back and now they are looking to sign cover when the January transfer window re-opens, with Ivanovic earmarked as a potential target.
Ivanovic’s ability to play in both positions is likely to be the main reason behind Juventus’ interest and a deal in January is feasible with the Serbia international’s current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at Chelsea this season since Antonio Conte’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation and a new deal doesn’t look likely at this stage, which could convince the Premier League leaders to sell the versatile defender in the New Year.
Despite a severe dip in form from the start of last season Ivanovic has incredibly only committed two errors that have directly led to an opposition goal since the start of the 2009/10 campaign.
For more stats on Branislav Ivanovic, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
