Samba hands in transfer request

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has handed in a transfer request to the club, and wants to find a new home in the January transfer window.

The unsettled centre-back, 27, sparked speculation over his future at the English Premier League strugglers by announcing on Thursday he wanted to leave Ewood Park during the January transfer window.

A host of clubs – including high-flying Tottenham – have been linked with a move for the ex-Congo international, with Samba releasing a statement on Monday revealing his desire to make the switch away from the Lancashire outfit.

“I have officially requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers Football Club,” Samba said. “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 percent 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.”

Since his move to Rovers in January 2007 from Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin, Samba has made over 150 appearances for the club.

Shortly before Samba handed in his transfer request, Blackburn manager Steve Kean had talked tough on the defender’s future as he looks to secure Rovers’ Premier League survival.

“He’s not for sale, it’s as simple as that,” he told The Lancashire Telegraph. “He’ll be back in again and hopefully ready for Everton (on Saturday).”