Report: Barcelona Considering January Move for Branislav Ivanovic

Barcelona are reportedly considering making a surprise move for Zenit St. Petersburg defender Branislav Ivanovic when the transfer window reopens in January. 

The Spanish champions are keen to bring in cover for Samuel Umtiti, who is sidelined with a knee problem, and Ivanovic has emerged as a possible option, according to Simon Jones for MailOnline.

The 34-year-old is out of contract with the Russian side in the summer, and Barcelona view him as "one of a number of targets," per the report.

Umtiti is a key player for Barcelona but is not expected to return until well into November, per Marca's Xavi Hernandez. It's also possible Umtiti may have to undergo surgery which would rule him out until 2019, per the report.

Statman Dave highlighted just how influential he is: 

Barcelona are also currently without back-up defender Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgium international picked up a hamstring problem on international duty and has been ruled out for six weeks, per the club's official website.

The injuries leave the Spanish champions short in defence. Their only fit senior centre-backs are Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet.

Manager Ernesto Valverde could look to Barcelona B for replacements. However, the 54-year-old has been reluctant to use youth players during his time in charge.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said the club are "on the lookout for a centre-back," per Marca's M. Carmen Torres.

It seems that Barcelona will try to bring in reinforcements in January. However, it can be difficult to sign players mid-way through a season which may help to explain interest in Ivanovic.

Barcelona would also want a player with experience who could slot straight into the team and adapt quickly. Ivanovic may fit the bill in that respect.

The 34-year-old spent the majority of his career at Chelsea where he won the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League and three Premier League titles. He also has over 100 caps at international level for Serbia.

He's not the only centre-back Barcelona are interested in. They are tracking several players, with Ajax's Matthijs De Ligt their priority, according to Sport's Juan Manuel Diaz.

However, Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars has said there is "zero per cent" chance of De Ligt leaving in January, per LaRoma24.it (h/t Goal's Liam Blackburn).

Ivanovic looks a far more attainable target, as he's heading towards the end of his career and will be a free agent in the summer. He will be far from Barcelona's first choice, but he could work as a short-term, budget option if the club's injury problems persist.