Defence ace Branislav Ivanovic has been linked with a shock return to the Premier League.

The Chelsea legend made over 250 appearances in a nine-year spell at Stamford Bridge before moving to Zenit St Petersburg in 2017.

After leaving to join Russian joining Zenit St Petersburg in 2017, many Blues supporters thought they had seen the last of the veteran defender in England.

At 36, his Premier League days seemed to have been behind him but, following his release from Russia.

However, according to Serbian newspaper Novosti, Ivanovic could be back playing against Chelsea next season with the Toffees.

Ivanovic is a free agent and also has interest from Red Star Belgrade back in his native Serbian.

But the report states his negotiations with Everton are in the “final phase” as a move to Merseyside edges closer.

Ivanovic played for Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti during his time at Chelsea.

And it looks as if the opportunity of a reunion with a man he won a Prem and FA Cup Double under is too tempting to resist.