Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers are likely to step up their interest in Christopher Samba, after the defender handed in a transfer request at Blackburn Rovers. QPR have had two offers for Samba, the second worth £6.5m, rejected by Blackburn. The Blackburn manager, Steve Kean, is adamant the player will not be allowed to depart Ewood Park this month although a significant bid – of at least £10m – could change that.

Now, Kean's captain has sought to speed up his exit from the Lancashire club. He 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 I have always given 100% 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." Blackburn have yet to offer a response to Samba's request.

Although Tottenham have not made a formal offer for Samba, their manager, Harry Redknapp, is a known admirer of the 27-year-old. Arsenal have been linked in the past with a move for Samba with reports on Monday suggesting Manchester City could now make a surprise bid for the ex-Hertha Berlin player.

The Congo-Brazzaville centre-half missed Blackburn's 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday. After the game, Kean said Samba had contacted Blackburn's club doctor to say he was suffering from stomach cramps.

Blackburn's transfer moves this month have been subject to extra scrutiny since reports emerged of the club's bankers seeking a £10m payment on an overdraft facility. With that in mind, Kean is unlikely to be a net spender this month.

Blackburn had intended to sell Junior Hoilett – who is entering the final months of his contract – and fringe players rather than Samba. A seven-figure television payment from the Premier League this month will help running costs at Blackburn as their parent company, Venky's, attempts to make the club more self-sustainable .