Branislav Ivanovic on high demand

Football Update: When Branislav Ivanovic scored for Chelsea in their FA Cup stroll against Championship side Brentford on Saturday, there was speculation that it could have been his last goal for the club.

But where might he be going? West Bromwich Albion, writes the Sun, which reports that Baggies boss Tony Pulis was in the stands at Stamford Bridge to watch him against Brentford.

It reports that West Brom “want to bring Chelsea outcast Ivanovic to the Hawthorns this month” as Pulis looks to maintain the momentum that has seen his side enjoy a solid first half of the season.

Ivanovic, 32, has been at Chelsea since 2008, but the Sun writes that the Premier League leaders have no plans to extend the Serbia international’s contract.

The Baggies are not the only club eager to add him to their ranks, though, with Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg also in the frame. But the Sun reports that although Zenit “are keen to hijack West Brom’s potential deal, it is believed Ivanovic would rather stay in England.”

Meanwhile, the Mirror reports that a move to Bournemouth is drawing closer for Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic — as long as the Londoners bring in a replacement.

The report states that Begovic, who played against the Bees, “has no regrets about joining Chelsea but is desperate to get back to playing first-team football.”

Saints close in on Napoli striker

Cometh the hour, cometh the Manolo? The Mirror thinks so, reporting that Southampton feel they can wrap up a £17 million deal for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini before Tuesday night.

The Saints want to offer Gabbiadini, 24, a four-year deal that would put an end to Everton’s interest in the player who stretches back to last summer’s window.

The Mirror writes that the Italy international remains a target for “a number of Premier League clubs,” but EFL Cup finalists Saints are now at the front of the queue.

Foxes hunt double deal

Champions Leicester City are hopeful that they can wrap up moves for Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez and defender Kara Mbodji of Anderlecht before the bell tolls for the end of the window, according to the Leicester Mercury.

It reports that although the Foxes have seen bids for both players turned down, they are “prepared to go down to the wire to land their targets.”

Ramirez has submitted a transfer request in an effort to secure a switch to the King Power, but the Mercury reports that move will only happen if the northeast club can bring in a replacement.

Leicester, however, “remain confident a deal with Boro can be done, possibly even on Monday.”

Tap-ins

– Leeds United fans could do with a fillip after the shock FA Cup defeat to non-league Sutton United, and the man to provide it looks like being West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher, writes the Mail.

It reports that the former Manchester United player is likely to be heading to Elland Road on loan after starting only three games for the Hammers this season. Fletcher, the Mail adds, “is keen to join a club of Leeds’ standing and to play regularly,” with the move likelier to go through if and when West Ham complete their protracted pursuit of Brentford’s Scott Hogan.

– Middlesbrough were one of several clubs interested in signing Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass, but having missed out on him, they are turning their attentions to Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.

The Sun writes that Cairney is now the top target for Boro boss Aitor Karanka, who is “attempting to seal a £7 million deal for the former Blackburn player” with officials at the Riverside Stadium hopeful a deal can go through.

Category: Football