Real Madrid have turned their attentions to out-of-favour Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in their bid to cover the gap left by Pepe’s season-ending knee injury, reports Marca.

The Serbian international is widely regarded in the Blancos organization as the ideal replacement for Pepe: a tall, fast, and strong defender who can contribute to the attack and with a knack for goal-scoring.

Ivanovic is thought to be particularly courted due to his versatility, given that he has built a good reputation in both the central defensive position and at right-back.

However, any deal for the defender may meet with some red tape within the Real Madrid organization itself as Florentino Perez is reportedly not too keen on shelling out more cash after spending €254 million over the summer on transfers. The fact that Ivanovic would be cup-tied from the Champions League also serves as a drawback for Madrid as they look to record their 10th European Cup success.

Cyrus C. Malek, Goal.com