BRANISLAV Ivanovic has agreed the terms on a one-year contract extension at Chelsea, after he had received offers to move to Inter Milan and Fiorentina.
The Chelsea right-back, 31, had been holding out for a two-year contract when his current deal runs out at the end of the season.
But Chelsea have a policy of offering players over 30 only one year at a time. In 2014 the club’s record goalscorer Frank Lampard walked away on a free transfer because he was only offered a one-year deal.
However Chelsea are keen to tie Ivanovic down to a new deal. He has been offered a one-year deal, with an option to extend for another season if he plays a certain number of matches.
Talks are close to being finalised and he is expected to sign the new deal next month.
The Serbia international — who is also Chelsea’s vice-captain — had received offers to sign pre-contract agreements for two-year deals with Inter Milan and Fiorentina.
He was also a transfer target for Galatasaray and AC Milan.
Ivanovic joined Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow for £9million in 2006, and has made 333 first team appearacnes for the Blues.
He started the season way below his usual standards but his displayes have seen a marked improvement as Jose Mourinho was replaced by interim manager Guus Hiddink.
Fellow defender Gary Cahill signed a four-year deal just before he celebrated his 30th birthday last month
Hiddink said last week: “I must say he looks physically fit but also what is important when you’re halfway through a season is that he’s very fresh and I mean fresh in the mind. He’s very eager to train every day, to play.
“Normally - it depends a bit on the physical shape and genes - but most of the time when players come to 32, speed is dropping down and everything is more difficult. There are exceptions, depending on position as well, but normally after 32 they drop from their top physical abilities.
“Of course one day the body will say ‘hey, slow down a bit.’ But I don’t see any of that in Terry. I’ve not been asked (by the board for a recommendation on Terry’s future) but these (experienced) guys are very important for Chelsea.”
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