Real Madrid To Test Chelsea Resolve With Bid For Branislav Ivanovic

Real Madrid are ready to table a £10m bid for Chelsea's versatile stopper Branislav Ivanovic, according to reports from the English tabloids today.

The Sunday Mirror comments that the Serbian has become a primary transfer target for Los Blancos following the loss of Portuguese defender Pepe until next season through injury.

The player himself recently commented that he regards a move to the Santiago Bernabeu to be a "dream", fuelling speculation that Ivanovic may be ready to swap Stamford Bridge for the Spanish capital.

However, one stumbling block to the move will be Blues’ coach Carlo Ancelotti’s desire to hold on to the international, particularly with Jose Bosingwa sidelined for the next two months.

Serbia national team coach Radomir Antic stated that Ivanovic is a key player for his side as they prepare for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, and that he has the capability to be a key player for Real Madrid, should the move go ahead.

He said, “He is a very physical player but always remains composed."

“He has the ability to play for Real Madrid.”