Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba has officially handed in a transfer request to the club, as reported by Sky Sports News this afternoon.

Queens Park Ranger’s have been linked with the defender and had a £5m bid rejected last week, while Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has also admitted his admiration for the player recently.

Centre back Samba missed the weekends 3-1 victory over Fulham through illness and Blackburn boss Steve Kean insisted his captain would not be sold this month and he was firmly in his plans for the remaining months of the season.

However, the situation has now become more complex after the 27-year-old made his intentions clear today by handing in an official transfer request, stating that it was time for him to move on from Ewood Park and take up a new challenge.

Samba went on to insist he has always given his all for the club and has turned down opportunities to leave in the past, so feels the club should respect his decision to leave this month. In his official statement, Samba said:

“I have today officially requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers Football Club. I have personally informed the owners, manager and executives at the club that I want to leave in this transfer window.

“In my five years at Blackburn Rovers Football Club I have always given 100 per cent in every game I have played. I have had several opportunities to leave but I have always stayed.

“I have decided now is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge and I have asked the club to respect my decision and allow me to leave.

“I thank the fans for their support and I hope they feel I have served them and their club well.”

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