Tottenham Boosted In Defender Chase As Samba Admits Exit Is Near

Chris Samba is set to leave Blackburn this transfer window, with the Tottenham target confirming to the press that he is ready to leave the club for a team that can offer more ambition.

Samba has starred for Blackburn since signing for the club in 2007, and in the last two seasons particularly he has been a stand out player as the side have fought off relegation to the Championship.

Tottenham have been strongly linked with Samba, along with QPR, and although the Congo international's contract runs out in 2015, Blackburn are likely to cash in on one of their stars for the right price.

And now, Samba has admitted he is pushing for a move, with Spurs reportedly setting up a bid of around £7 million for the star.

"Recently, mentally, it was difficult," he told L'Equipe. "I tried to keep my level of performance, but I feel it is time for me to change. The club does not change at all. I am resigned [to leave]."

Samba insisted that he has always put the interests of the club before his own.

"I invested a lot, I always tried to lead by example, but things have not gone as I had hoped," he said. "I hope people understand [my decision]."

While Mark Hughes has worked with Samba before, and is said to be chasing hard to get the 27 year old to Loftus Road, Tottenham can offer the possibility of Champions League football next season, which would appear to better suit his ambitions.

Tottenham can also offer more money than QPR, with the Rangers reportedly setting a budget of only £5 million to secure his signature.

The north London club are currently in a fantastic position in the Premier League table,level on points with second placed Manchester United and just a game behind Manchester City.

But Redknapp has insisted that though he is interested in particular players, he isn't desperately chasing anyone, despite admitting that he likes both Samba and Gary Cahill for the centre back position.

"Samba's a good player. A real good player. I like the pair of them," he said.

But he added: "We're not in a position where I'm desperate for anybody."

Though Tottenham have long coveted Cahill, Chelsea look close to signing the England international from Bolton within the coming days.

Redknapp has been honest about the fact that Spurs can't compete with the Blues on wage levels, though it is unknown whether Samba or Cahill will do better when playing for a top side that has the chance to compete in the Champions League next season.

Who would you prefer for the centre back position?

Gary Cahill

Chris Samba