Chelsea confident of reaching defender deal following positive talks

CHELSEA are confident of reaching an agreement with Branislav Ivanovic over a new contract.

 

Branislav Ivanovic will agree a new deal at Chelsea

 

The defender is out of contract in the summer and wanted a two-year deal.

However Chelsea only offer over 30s a year at a time.

But according to the Telegraph an agreement is close after positive talks of a one-year extension with another year's option if he plays a certain number of matches.

Ivanovic, 31,  joined Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008 and has won eight major honours at the club, including the Champions League in 2012 and two Premier League titles.

He struggled at the beginning of this season and then suffered an injury.

However he, along with his team-mates, has improved in recent weeks following the appointment of Guus Hiddink.

 

Chelsea are unbeaten in five games under the Dutchman but were held by West Brom last night in a 2-2 draw.

The Blues remain 14th, 12 points off the top four with 17 games to go, but Hiddink believes a Champions League spot is not out of the question.

"As long as it’s possible mathematically to get fourth position we will go for it," he said. 

"We have to win all our games, at home at least. We need an average of 2.8 points which is difficult. 

"You have to win your games at home."