Chelsea: Branislav Ivanovic agent admits Inter Milan move being considered alongside new contract

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is likely to sign a new deal with the current Premier League champions, according to his agent Zoran Krneta. Ivanovic, 31, had come to be regarded as perhaps the Premier League's leading right-back in recent seasons, playing a vital role in the club's title success last year.

The Serbia international has endured a spectacular fall from grace this campaign though, and has been heavily criticised by both fans and pundits after a string of poor performances. After suffering a hamstring injury during October's international break, the defender has missed Chelsea's last seven games but is likely to be back in contention for the visit of Norwich City on 21 November.

He could also be close to signing a new deal with Jose Mourinho's side, although his agent has stressed "anything is possible" with Inter Milan reportedly interested in bringing him to Serie A. "Probably he will renew his deal with Chelsea," Krneta told InterLive.it.

When asked about Inter rumours he added: "In football everything is possible. Anyway, the Nerazzurri could be interested in him for the summer market and not the winter one."

Ivanovic's current contract expires in the summer of 2016, opening the door for him to potentially make a pre-contract agreement with teams outside of England.

In Ivanovic's absence, Jose Mourinho has moved Cesar Azpilicueta over to his natural position at right-back with summer signing Baba Rahman coming in on the left side of defence. The under-pressure Chelsea manager has also utilised Kurt Zouma on the right.

The changes have done little to remedy Chelsea's awful defensive record, however. The Blues have conceded 23 goals this season, a tally only 'bettered' by Bournemouth and Sunderland, who both lie in the relegation zone. Chelsea themselves are only six points off the foot of the table, having lost seven league games from 12 this term.