Barcelona 'eye Branislav Ivanovic swoop'

Barcelona are reportedly lining up a January swoop for Zenit St Petersburg defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The Catalan outfit have managed to recover Samuel Umtiti to ease their injury concerns at the back, but Thomas Vermaelen is still on the sidelines, and the Spanish champions are light in that area of the field.

According to Goal.com, Ivanovic has emerged as a leading target for Ernesto Valverde's team, with the former Chelsea defender fitting the profile when it comes to an experienced option.

The 34-year-old made close to 400 appearances for Chelsea between 2008 and 2017 before moving to Zenit, but his contract with the Russian outfit will expire at the end of this season.

Ivanovic has already made 22 appearances for his Russian outfit this term, meanwhile, and earned over 100 caps for Serbia before retiring from international duty following the 2018 World Cup.