There are strong reports that Lazio have struck a deal to bring in Chelsea youngster Branislav Ivanovic in January.

The 24-year-old Serb defender had already been heavily linked with Juventus and Milan over the summer, but has a new Serie A suitor.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the ‘big signing’ that President Claudio Lotito pledged for the mid-season transfer window is Ivanovic.

Chelsea paid £9m to take him from Lokomotiv Moscow in January, but he has made just four appearances for the club.

Unhappy at the lack of space, he is looking to be released on loan and Lazio would be a good place to prove himself.

Ivanovic would be on the latest former Premiership player to wear the Biancocelesti jersey, as they already have ex-Birmingham City striker Mauro Zarate, former Manchester City midfielder Ousmane Dabo and one-time Newcastle United defender David Rozehnal.