Chelsea have won the race to sign Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic from Lokomotiv Moscow.

The 23-year-old becomes Avram Grant's second signing of the transfer window following the €20 million arrival of Nicolas Anelka last week.

Chelsea are understood to have paid close on €12 million for the versatile player and a work permit has already been granted.

A statement from Chelsea confirmed: "Chelsea can confirm it has agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow for the transfer of Branislav Ivanovic.

"A work permit application has also been successful for the player. The transfer is now subject to the agreement of personal terms and passing of the medical."

Ivanovic can play anywhere in defence and won his first senior cap for Serbia and Montenegro in June 2006 in a friendly against Italy which ended 1-1.