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Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring against Wigan Athletic during their English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday. (REUTERS)
Real Madrid are trying to lure Branislav Ivanovic who has plunged Chelsea into a defensive crisis after being charged for Saturday’s off-the-ball incident with Wigan’s Shaun Maloney.
He is set to be banned for three games, including this Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Spurs.
The Serbian appeared to punch Maloney at the end of Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Wigan, an incident missed by the officials.
Real Madrid are keen on the versatile defender who has been in outstanding form this season.
Mourinho rates Ivanovic highly and even if he leaves Real Madrid the Spanish giants are keen on the £12 milion-rated centre half who can also play right back, according to the Mirror.
But of more immediate concern for Chelsea's interim manager Roberto di Matteo is his possible non-availability for crucial Premier League games against Arsenal and QPR as his side fight for fourth place and to qualify for the Champions League.
He is already without injured England left-back Ashley Cole while skipper John Terry is battling on gamely at centre-half despite breaking two ribs two weeks ago against Benfica. Defensive partner David Luiz also has an ankle knock.
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