Diego Costa staying but Branislav Ivanovic could leave as Chelsea target transfer for Benfica right-back

All the latest rumours coming out of Stamford Bridge on Monday 23 January, 2017

Jack Austin
Monday 23 January 2017 06:33 EST
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Chelsea may have been looking to add to their squad this transfer window, ahead of a Premier League title push, but January has been more about who could leave the club.

The Diego Costa transfer saga has cast a shadow over the club in recent weeks as the striker was left out of the 3-0 win over Leicester.

The situation appears to have been repaired, with Costa making a goalscoring return to the starting XI against Hull on Sunday, but Antonio Conte is still unsure whether the striker will sign a new contract, according to The Sun.

Costa’s current contract expires in 2019 and he was expected to be offered an extension following his sparkling form this season.

However, that appears to have been put on the backburner, with Costa still eyeing a return to former club Atletico Madrid in the summer.

While Costa appears certain to stay until at least the end of the season, defender Branislav Ivanovic looks set to leave Stamford Bridge.

The 32-year-old has fallen out of favour this season and Everton are interested in bringing him to Goodison Park to replace 34-year-old captain Phil Jagielka.

The England international has been linked with a move to strugglers Sunderland and Ronald Koeman is keen to get a proven Premier League central defender in in his place, according to the Daily Express.

One player the Blues are keeping tabs on is Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo, who has also interested Manchester United, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

Victor Moses is Conte’s only natural right wing-back and he is keen to give the Nigerian backup to avoid burning him out.

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