Everton: Excellent surprise swoop?

Everton are being linked with a canny move for the Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The Serbian stopper has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge after some high profile errors last season and Everton could swoop according to British media outlet, The Daily Express, which writes:

EVERTON have lined up Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic as a replacement for veteran Phil Jagielka, according to reports.

Ivanovic has fallen out of favour in the new 3-4-3 system at Chelsea which requires pace and athleticism in the wide areas. Ivanovic has been slowing for some time and his last campaign exposed frailties in the veteran’s game.

But he has been a wonderful servant to the club and been part of the most successful period in Chelsea’s history. He started out as a centre back and TFF believes that he could still provide high quality cover for that area of Everton’s squad.

The 6ft 1in Serbian international, who turns 33 next month, has played 92 times for Serbia and scored an impressive 12 goals.

He’s also hit 33 goals in 375 appearances for Chelsea over the space of ten excellent seasons at the club. He’s won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League in his time with the West London outfit.

Everton have regularly been linked with defenders in this transfer window. But one of England’s big January spenders has so far only brought in a midfielder and an attacker in the shape of Morgan Schniederlin and Ademola Lookman.

Everton fans: a canny purchase or an expensive addition who way past his best?