Chelsea snap up Ivanovic

Chelsea have begun their January transfer spend with the signing of Lokomotiv Moscow defender Branislav Ivanovic for £8.9 million. The player will fly into London this week to complete a medical and seal the deal.

As reported at the Chelsea-still-after-Ivanovic'>beginning of December, Chelsea were always the favorites to sign the defender and seem to have got their man.

Chelsea, third in the Premier League standings, is boosting its defense because John Terry remains six weeks on the sidelines.

Ivanovic has won nine senior caps for his country, has also been linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Milan.