Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean has revealed that Christopher Samba will return to the Blackburn squad next week following a rejected transfer request from the player.

Samba, 27, is reportedly unsettled at Ewood Park and was left out of the squad for his side's 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday, but Kean insists that the player is still part of his plans.

"I just felt with all the bids that came in, albeit from one club, Chris has handed in a transfer request, I thought it was better he just wasn't involved for this game," Kean told Sky Sports News.

"So he'll be back in next week, he'll train and we'll move forward and get him back in the next squad. He's under contract and he's a top player, and I'm sure that's the reason why there was interest for him.

"But we've put out a statement, and it's a strong statement, that we want him to stay and it just wasn't right for him today but I'm sure the next game he'll be involved."

Samba joined the club from Hertha BSC in 2007 and has made 184 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals.