Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic inches closer to signing a new deal

Reports emerged this weekend that Branislav Ivanovic is negotiating an extension to his current contract to remain at Chelsea for another season. His current deal expires this summer and the 31-year old is reportedly about to be handed a bumper deal to remain at the club.

We all know Chelsea's policy of signing players to one-year contracts after they reach their thirties. We have heard reports that John Terry is about to be given a new deal and these reports of Ivanovic is great news.

Having made the switch from centre half to full back, Ivanovic has really made the position his own in recent seasons. Granted he isn't the quickest but his physical presence makes up for that down that right-hand side.

As we have seen on numerous occasions, the Serbian is also an attacking threat in the opposition's penalty box and he has scored plenty and scored some really important goals in those attacking areas.

Jose Mourinho stated recently that the defender, who signed for Chelsea in January 2008 for £9m, is one of our best ever signings and is reportedly keen for a deal to agree as quickly as possible. There are rumours that PSG and Real Madrid are monitoring his contract status so you can see why is imperative that a new deal is agreed soon!

What do you people think of Ivanovic first of all and of news of a new contract?

I personally think it's great news!