The Serbian defender insists he is focused on his duties at Zenit, but stopped short of dismissing rumours connecting him to the Spanish champions
Zenit Saint Petersburg full-back Branislav Ivanovic has refused to rule out a move away from Russia next year, with Barcelona interested in his services.
Goal understands the Catalan giants are lining up a January bid for the 34-year-old, as the long-term fitness of Samuel Umtiti remains in doubt following knee surgery.
Barca are hopeful of agreeing on a short-term deal for Ivanovic before they pursue Ajax centre-back Matthijs De Ligt next summer, as Ernesto Valverde looks to bolster his defensive options.
The Serbia international’s current contract at Zenit expires at the end of the season and he is free to talk to potential suitors in the new year.
Speaking to Zenit’s official website, Ivanovic addressed speculation linking him with a transfer during the winter window, admitting that he doesn’t know yet what the future holds.
“I am pleased with everything at Zenit,” he stated on Sunday. “But in football, you never know what will happen tomorrow.
“Now I’m giving everything to Zenit and preparing for the next game.”
Barcelona’s defensive issues continued over the weekend as they were knocked off top spot in La Liga, after being held to a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano by Atletico Madrid.
The defending champions were staring down the barrel of a defeat after Diego Costa gave the hosts the lead on 77 minutes before Ousmane Dembele managed to snatch a crucial equaliser in added time.
Sevilla’s 1-0 home win against Real Valladolid on Sunday sent them into first place by a point, with Valverde’s men now looking ahead to a Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Ivanovic will likely feature for Zenit on Thursday night in the Europa League against Copenhagen, before returning to domestic duty against Arsenal Tula next Monday.