Crystal Palace want Branislav Ivanovic

Crystal Palace are prepared to lodge a winter offer for unsettled Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. The Serb has barely featured for the Blues over the past month.

The 32-year-old was a regular during the opening stages of the campaign before manager Antonio Conte opted to play three at the back in a 3-4-3 formation.

According to The Mirror, the Serb is unlikely to earn a contract beyond June 2017, and could be sold on a cut-price deal in the January transfer window.

The Eagles are currently the top contenders for Ivanovic's signature as they seek to add more experience to their backline, which has leaked goals of late.

Ivanovic, who is adept at playing at both right-back and centre-back, has amassed over 360 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2007.