Conte hints at Ivanovic exit

Antonio Conte has hinted that Branislav Ivanovic will not be offered a new Chelsea deal at the end of the season.

The Serbia defender is a cult hero at Stamford Bridge, having won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup, a Champions League and the Europa League in his nine years at the club, but has not started a Premier League game since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on 24 September.

Chelsea boss Conte has preferred a 4-3-3 formation since that defeat four months ago, and admits he now views the 32-year-old as a squad player.

Ivanovic is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in June, and long-term admirers Zenit St Petersburg are likely to offer the former Lokomotiv Moscow defender a two-year deal this summer.

"This season Ivanovic has played with me," Conte said.

"He has been in the starting XI. When I switched to three at the back, something changed, for sure, I have to make decisions as I can pick only 11 players. But, until now, he’s always involved in our squad.

"Sure, about this situation it's better to talk with the player, no? To know if there are different ideas, different visions for the future to the present. To reply for another person is not the right thing to do."

In other news, Chelsea are likely to return with an improved bid for Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, after Celtic rejected their initial £3m bid.

If the Scottish champions allow Gordon to leave, Conte will let Asmir Begovic join Bournemouth in a £10m deal.

"We are open to help him if there is the opportunity to replace him in the best way," the Italian continued.

"If it’s not possible, Begovic stays with us until the end of the season. Then we’ll evaluate his situation right away. I’m very happy with his commitment, his behaviour on and off the pitch.

"He’s also very important in the changing room for me. Only if we have a good substitution [replacement] can he go. Otherwise he stays here.”

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