Chelsea planning for life without Branislav Ivanovic as Jose Mourinho orders scouts to find suitable replacements for the defender

Home Top

show ad

Nice one, Son! Korean off mark with double in Tottenham win as Lamela makes sure of points after early scare against Qarabag
Liverpool denied opening win in Europa League as Bordeaux hit back to earn point against under-strength side
FIFA hit by fresh scandal as Blatter's right-hand man Valcke is released from duties over ticketing allegations
Ajax 2-2 Celtic: Izaguirre red card sees Hoops cling on for draw despite twice taking lead through Britton and Lustig
Chelsea plan for life without Ivanovic as Mourinho orders replacement
United striker Wilson not available for Championship loan move, according to Wolves boss Jackett
TACKLE KEOWN: Mourinho must be part of the reason for struggles... the squad haven't gone bad overnight
$Medics prepare to carry Manchester Unitedís Luke Shaw off the pitch after being tackled by PSV's Hector Moreno, resulting in a double fracture of Shaw's right leg, during the Champions League Group B soccer match between PSV and Manchester United at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)$ Man United full back Shaw expected to have second operation on broken leg
England support yellow card move to eliminate diving from rugby at the World Cup, says lock Parling
Robshaw leads England during captain's run at Twickenham as squad take part in final training session before Fiji opener
Fenerbahce suffer surprise defeat despite Nani strike
Garcia targets Khan rematch as Bolton star looks to plot path to superfight with Pacquiao in the new year
Arteta admits Champions League defeat could hamper Arsenal chances of beating Chelsea in Premier League
Giroud should apologise to his Arsenal team-mates and fans for his red card in Croatia... once again the Gunners lacked the maturity to solve problems
Loftus-Cheek starred in the Champions League... so, which other youngsters are pushing for a first team breakthrough?
Hulk smashed! Zenit striker sits with FOUR ice packs strapped to his legs
Chelsea can't afford to lose against Arsenal, admits manager Mourinho
Hamilton: It would be 'very emotional' to match childhood hero Senna's feat of 41 Grand Prix career wins
Murray to help refugees by donating £50 for every ace he hits in Davis Cup
Bournemouth sign former Inter Milan midfielder Cannataro on one-year deal
The cost of failing to qualify for the Champions League: United missed out on £35m but predict record profits next year
More woe in Croydon for France as team coach receives parking ticket
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD EXCLUSIVE: The problem with a home World Cup? Even the cleaner wants to talk rugby!
Fitzgerald will bring 'flair' to Ireland World Cup bid, says Murray as team to face Canada is announced

Chelsea have begun the search for Branislav Ivanovic's replacement
The Serbia international has endured a below-par start to the season
Doubts over his long-term future are now lingering at Stamford Bridge
Jose Mourinho has ordered scouts to find a list of possible replacements

By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail

Published: 06:17 EST, 17 September 2015 | Updated: 10:27 EST, 17 September 2015

244

View
comments

Chelsea have begun the search for a new right back as doubts over Branislav Ivanovic's long-term future linger.

The Serbia international has arguably been Chelsea's most consistent performer over recent seasons.

But his below-par early-season displays have cast doubt over his position as one of Jose Mourinho's regulars.

Scroll down for video

Chelsea have begun searching for a new right back as doubts over Branislav Ivanovic's long-term future linger

Mourinho has instructed scouts to find a replacement for the defender with his time quickly running out

John Terry and Ivanovic look on dejected after losing against Premier League rivals Everton at Goodison Park

He was dropped by Mourinho for the win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv; and faces an anxious wait to discover whether he'll be reinstated for the clash against Arsenal on Saturday.

Likewise, his contractual situation at Stamford Bridge is just as unclear.

Ivanovic's contract expires at the end of the season meaning he can discuss a potential Bosman transfer away from January.

Chelsea have been planning to offer the defender a 12-month extension.

Nevertheless, the Blues have begun planning for life without the experienced defender after their scouts were instructed to compile a list of potential right back signings.

Cesar Azpilicueta (right) took Ivanovic's place for the win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Champions League

Chelsea are short of personnel in the position at the moment.

Cesar Azpilicueta, who is Mourinho's first-choice left back, took Ivanovic's place for the win over Maccabi on Wednesday.

Ivanovic aside, the Blues do not have a recognised right back to call upon; teenager Ola Aina, 18, is the next in line.

Mourinho had hoped Everton defender John Stones would provide him with cover at right back this season

Mourinho had hoped the capture of John Stones from Everton would provide him with right back cover; the England international having played in the position during the early part of his career.

But their failed attempts to lure him from Everton has left the Blues squad light in the position.

Ivanovic remains an integral cog in Mourinho's plans; but with the defender due to turn 32 in February, the Barclays Premier League champions have started the process of identifying the stalwart defender's successor.