James Collins 'eyed by Spurs as alternative to Chris Samba'

Aston Villa's James Collins has emerged as a transfer target for Spurs, after Blackburn Rovers insisted Chris Samba was not for sale.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is keen to add a centre-back to his title-chasing squad this month, after being troubled by injuries to defenders in the first half of the season.

James Collins (left) is a Spurs transfer target

Among those he is considering is Wales international Collins, reports the People.

Villa are apparently willing to listen to offers in excess of £3million for the 28-year-old, who has also been linked with QPR and Newcastle United.

Redknapp's preferred target is Samba and he indicated on Saturday that Spurs would bid for the Congo international.

'I like Samba, he is a good player. I wouldn't want to say it's an impossibility,' the veteran manager said.

'At the moment he belongs to Blackburn but he's a good player.'

However, Rovers boss Steve Kean is unwilling to allow a key defender to leave as the club continue to battle relegation.

Samba was left out of the side that lost 2-1 at Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday, but Kean insisted fans should not read anything into his team selection.

'The situation is simple,' the manager said. 'He is not for sale.'