The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has been discussing the recent transfer links between Everton and Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic.
According to a report published by Serbian outlet Novosti last week, Carlo Ancelotti is keen on acquiring the services of the 36-year-old defender who is without a club.
However, a Daily Mail report stated that the Toffees were not in the market for the former Chelsea man despite reports suggesting that they were.
So, in the latest episode of The Athletic’s Gwlad Tidings podcast, Boyland discussed the transfer links with Ivanovic and cast his doubt over a move.
He said: “I was really surprised when I saw that rumour emerge on Twitter. I think it’s from the Serbian press, we believe. It does not strike me as a logical Everton transfer. He’s not in the usual age bracket that Marcel Brands, in particular, looks for.
“Although that’s not exclusive, they will sign older players at times if they feel that they need extra experience. You would be very surprised if they decided to bring in somebody like Ivanovic, who is still on big money, back to Everton at his age with no resale value.
“The days of Everton making those kinds of signings, you would hope, are over. It just did not seem logical and then when we checked it out, what came back in private was that it didn’t look like there were any legs in it at all.
“In fact, it was kind of rubbished a little bit, wasn’t it? So, yeah, there’s very little legs in that one. I have to be honest, I don’t really want to see Everton recruit that kind of player over the summer.”
TIF Thoughts…
Seemingly, there is no truth in the transfer links between the Merseyside club and the veteran defender, which would vindicate the article published by the Daily Mail.
Would you want Everton to sign Branislav Ivanovic on a free transfer?
No, he's not good enough
Yes, would be decent backup
With the 36-year-old Serbian having delivered a 7.01/10 average rating in the Russian Premier League for Zenit St. Petersburg in the most recent season (per WhoScored), perhaps the player is still capable.
However, at 36 it may be questionable how many good seasons Ivanovic has left in him. So, perhaps the Toffees would be right not to make a move for the defender.