Chelsea transfer news: Branislav Ivanovic seeking contract talks ahead of key January window

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is hopeful of staging talks regarding his future at Stamford Bridge as the Serbia international enters the final six months of his contract. The 31-year-old has suffered a dismal campaign featuring a dramatic loss of form and fitness amid the Blues' battle at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Ivanovic's current contract expires at the end of the 2015-16 season and though at the start of the season it appeared inconceivable that he would not be retained, there is some uncertainty over his future following a harrowing first half of the term. The upcoming January transfer window represents the last opportunity for the West London club to sell the player and attract a fee, but Ivanovic is hopeful of remaining with Jose Mourinho's side.

"I know I didn't start the season well but I am back," Ivanovic said, according to the Daily Mail. "I hope the results will be good for the team. In that case I will be good as well. I hope and I think we will have time to speak about my future. Honestly, I am so happy [here]."

The Daily Mail reported in September that Chelsea were preparing for life after Ivanovic, with the club ready to let the versatile defender go for free at the end of the campaign. The player's agent Zoran Krneta has also suggested the player could leave the club, with Inter Milan a possible destination.

For the time being, Ivanovic's primary concern is forming a plan to help beat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, with Claudio Ranieri's side needing a win over Chelsea to return to the Premier League summit. The division's top scorer, Jamie Vardy, will lead the attack and Ivanovic will stop at nothing to defy the England international.

"If this [kicking] helps, yes [I will do it]," the Chelsea man said. "Some of the strikers don't like [it] when you kick [them]. You kill their confidence. Vardy at the moment is running a lot and is making the space for other players as well. They are confident. I think it will be very hard."