Branislav Ivanovic close to Zenit transfer

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is nearing an agreement to join Zenit St Petersburg on a free transfer. The Serb has barely featured for the Blues since September.

The 32-year-old has just six months left on his existing contract, and his availability has attracted interest from the likes of Everton, Sunderland and West Ham United.

According to The Mail, the veteran full-back has set his sights on a move to the Russia with Zenit prepared to match his weekly wages of £120,000-a-week.

Antonio Conte's side are unlikely to demand a fee as part of the transfer as a means of respect for what Ivanovic has done for the club over the years.

Ivanovic has amassed 375 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions to date, lifting two Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League in 2012.