Chelsea yet to open discussions with key defender over new contract; several top European clubs on alert

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Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic could be available on a free transfer next summer following reports in Mail Sport that talks over a new contract are yet to take place.

The 31-year-old has one-year remaining on his current deal with the reigning Barclays Premier League champions and his place in the starting XI could come under threat if the club are successful in their attempts to sign highly-rated defender John Stones from rivals Everton this summer.

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Ivanovic is reportedly keen to commit his future to the West London outfit, however, he is likely to find himself in a similar situation that teammate John Terry found himself in last season as he wasn’t offered a new deal until late on in the campaign due to the Blues’ policy of only handing players over 30 a one-year extension.

Should the same happen with the Serbian international this year then he will be able to speak with foreign clubs from January 2016 and sign a pre-contract deal.

It’s understood that several top European clubs are monitoring the situation closely in the hopes of luring one of the most consistent defenders in England over the past few seasons away from the Premier League.

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