Blackburn Rovers are already plotting to replace the unsettled Chris Samba with Portuguese U-21 international Andre Pinto, who is valued at £1.5 million, according to a report in The Sun.

Samba, 27, who handed in a transfer request last month, still has three years left to run on his contract, but has grown disillusioned with life at Ewood Park. Manager Steve Kean knows the Congolese centre-half is key to his hopes of survival, and Goal.com report the two are busy holding reconciliation talks.

If Samba is to leave in the summer, Pinto is seen as the ideal replacement. At 6’4 the man from Portugal would fill the sizeable gap left by Samba’s departure.

Pinto is contracted to FC Porto, however he has yet to make an impression on the first team. Currently on his fourth loan spell at Olhanense, after having spent seasons at Santa Clara, Vitória de Setúbal and Portimonense, Pinto could be attracted to a Premier League move. If Blackburn stay up of course.

The 22 year old, who has made twelve appearances for the Portuguese U-21 team, will surely attract the attention of several more top-flight clubs before the season is over.