Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean has admitted that it will be "tough" for the club to survive in the Premier League without Christopher Samba.

Samba, 27, joined Anzhi Makhachkala on Friday after five seasons at the club, and Kean admitted that the defender wanted to leave.

"It's going to be tough but Chris had handed in a transfer request. He didn't want to be at the club any longer, that's his decision. He's moved on. We wish him all the best," Kean told talkSPORT.

Blackburn face Aston Villa in the Premier League next Saturday.