Steve Kean has insisted that Chris Samba can remain the captain of Blackburn Rovers if he "still wants to be at the club".

Samba has said that he wants to leave the club and handed in a transfer request last week that was rejected by the club.

QPR and Tottenham are reportedly interested in the central defender but Blackburn have stated that they will not be forced into selling one of their star players while they are in the midst of a relegation battle.

"I spoke with him yesterday and he knows he is not for sale," said Kean.

"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,

Asked about whether Samba would remain his captain, Kean replied: "If he's playing and performing well and still wants to be at the club, yes."

The 27-year-old Congolese international joined Blackburn in 2007.