Christopher Samba told he will not be sold this month in conference call with Blackburn Rovers owners

The Congo defender was furious at the decision to not allow him to leave in January and could be prepared to go on strike to force through a transfer before the window closes

19 Jan 2012 22:01:00

More On :  Blackburn Rovers, QPR, Christopher Samba
Christopher Samba (getty Images)
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Christopher Samba has been personally told in a conference call by Blackburn Rovers’ owners that he will not be granted his wish to leave the club this month, Goal.com can reveal.

But the Congo defender has been promised by chairwoman Anuradha Desai, head of the Rao family who control Venky’s, that they will reconsider his situation in the summer.

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Samba’s transfer request was rejected by Rovers on Tuesday after manager Steve Kean relayed the message to the unsettled defender that he will not be sold in the window.

The club captain also requested a hearing with Rovers’ owners and was told by Desai that he was needed for their relegation battle and will not be allowed to leave before the end of the season.

Sources have told Goal.com that Samba reacted unhappily to the command and could be ready to go on strike if Blackburn continue to reject offers for him.

QPR have made two bids, the second of £7.5 million, for the centre-half, and are willing to pay him £60,000-a-week to lead their relegation battle.

Samba missed last Saturday’s win over Fulham with a mystery stomach bug 24 hours after giving an interview in which he indicated he wants to leave Ewood Park for an “ambitious” club and accused Rovers of breaking promises to him.

Desai, the matriarch of the Rao family who control Venky’s, is believed to be concerned that cashing in on Samba could transmit the message that Rovers are a selling club, which could cause a reduction in the value of their assets, including the players.

Speaking on Thursday, Kean revealed that he accepts that Samba might need time to accept the club’s decision.

"I spoke with him yesterday and he knows he is not for sale," the Rovers boss said. "The day before he handed in a transfer request, that has been refused and we won't welcome any more bids and Chris knows the stance of the club.

"It is never nice when somebody hands in a transfer request but hopefully we can now move on."

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