Today’s papers carried reports of an Everton move for Branislav Ivanovic.
The Serbian defender hasn’t started a Premier League game since the switch to 343 in September, and the return of Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma since has only reduced Branna’s chances of game time.
However Antonio Conte has repeatedly shown faith in his experienced defender, using him regularly as a substitute late on in tight games when Chelsea are looking to close games out. He has been brought on as a right wing back to replace Victor Moses in some games, and as an auxiliary centre back in others.
The FA Cup game against Peterborough was a perfect example of why it’s useful to have Brana in the squad, as he shifted positions throughout the game in response first to the introduction of Ola Aina for Gary Cahill, and later to the red card for John Terry.
This flexibility, combined with his huge experience, is exactly why Ronald Koeman wants him at Everton, but is also why Antonio Conte is very unlikely to sanction such a move. Chelsea have nothing to lose to keeping the 32 year old till the end of the season and hopefully allowing him to pick up another Premier League winner’s medal in the process.
What happens in the summer is anyone’s guess, but don’t expect big Bran to leave before then.
