Barcelona consider move for Branislav Ivanovic

Barcelona are considering a January loan move for Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Branislav Ivanovic, say reports in Spain.

El Mundo Deportivo say the Blaugrana are intent on strengthening their defensive ranks following injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umtiti.

The Catalan giants are said to have acknowledged their number one defensive targets – namely Ajax’s Matthjis de Ligt – are unattainable in January, so they are looking elsewhere.

Former Chelsea defender Ivanovic, 34, could join the club on loan while Getafe’s Djene Dakonam and Unai Nunez of Athletic Club Bilbao are other targets on Barca’s radar.

Ramon Planes, Barcelona’s technical director, originally signed Djene for Getafe from Sint-Truidense and the Togolese defender’s contract contains a €35m release clause.

Nunez made 33 La Liga appearances for Athletic last season but has seen game-time fall under new Coach Eduardo Berizzo, featuring just once.

Tags Branislav Ivanovic Zenit Saint Petersburg
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