According to Serbian newspaper Novosti, Everton are in talks to sign veteran defender Branislav Ivanovic this summer.
The report states that Ivanovic’s negotiations with Everton are in the ‘final phase’ as a move to Merseyside becomes possible despite interest from Red Star Belgrade back home.
Ivanovic’s contract with Zenit St Petersburg has come to an end, meaning he can now join Everton for absolutely nothing.
Let’s start with why this may happen. Ivanovic played for Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, and a reunion may be appealing.
Ivanovic is an experienced performer who has won trophies in Russia and England, and that winning mentality could be vital.
He could play at right back if absolutely needed to do so, but this just seems like a completely bizarre rumour.
Everton surely won’t be in the market for 36-year-old players this summer, even if Ancelotti has some history with them.
A long-term solution at centre back is needed for Everton, and Ivanovic really doesn’t provide that at all given that he is approaching the end of his career.
That these reports are emerging in Ivanovic’s homeland may give them some credence, but it feels like putting two and two together based on his history with Ancelotti as things stand.
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