Report: Chelsea's Ivanovic not considering West Ham switch

Branislav Ivanovic pledged his loyalty to Chelsea amid rumours that West Ham United is pursuing his signature, reports ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke.

The Serb was often found wanting for form during last season's limp title defence, and has regularly warmed the bench while the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses have thrived on the right since Antonio Conte returned to his preferred 3-4-3 system.

The 32-year-old is entering the final six months of his deal at Stamford Bridge, but is apparently determined to win back a place in the starting XI rather than leave in January.

Ivanovic's peripheral role at Chelsea - he hasn't started since a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in September - is said to have alerted West Ham, though. Manager Slaven Bilic has only given 173 Premier League minutes to veteran right-back Alvaro Arbeloa since his summer arrival, and has contended with repeated injury issues to Sam Byram. In light of those depleted resources, Cheikhou Kouyate has filled in at the back, with Michail Antonio posing another unorthodox option in that spot.

If there's truth to Ivanovic's West Ham link, it could be one of two deals made between the London rivals in 2017. The Independent's Jack de Menezes understands Cesc Fabregas is unhappy with his lack of minutes at Chelsea, while West Ham is interested in snapping up the Spanish midfielder in a loan deal over the winter transfer window.