Chelsea boss Grant splashes out £9m on Serb defender Ivanovic

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Serbia international, 23, has been courted by Juventus, Manchester United and Barcelona but they could not match Chelsea's financial muscle.

Bridge bound: Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic is on his way to Chelsea

Ivanovic, who can also play left back, has already secured a work permit and may make his debut in Chelsea's Barclays Premier League clash at Birmingham on Saturday.

His arrival is likely to speed Tal Ben Haim's departure with Tottenham having expressed an interest in him.

Chelsea have a number of players at the African Cup of Nations and there are fresh doubts about Didier Drogba's role at the club when he eventually returns. Drogba wants to quit Chelsea for Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast striker said: "Any striker in my situation would be really happy to get the chance to play alongside Samuel Eto'o.

"I don't see why it should not happen. It would be something exceptional but Barcelona need to get their chequebook out.

"The things I love about Samuel are his pace, his instinct for goals, his running and simply the fact he is indispensable to Barcelona.

"When Chelsea played a Barca side that was without him, we knew we'd have the game won even before we took the field.

"Every Chelsea player would say the same and Jose Mourinho as well. When he learned that Samuel wasn't playing against us in October 2006 he told us: 'We've won.'"