Tottenham Transfer Scenarios: If Samba Doesn't Sign, Spurs Will Be OK

Tottenham has been in pursuit of several defenders in this January transfer window, but am I the only one who doesn't think the team's situation at center back is in desperate need of improvement?

Harry Redknapp & Co. have been linked to several star defenders in the Premier League. According to DailyMail.co.uk, the club was one of at least three courting Gary Cahill away from Bolton. Now, the same website is reporting that Tottenham are in a "tug-of-war" with Queens Park Rangers for Blackburn's unhappiest defender, Chris Samba.

Another day, another defender linked with a move to White Hart Lane.

Getting Samba from Blackburn would surely put Tottenham in next year's Champions League and perhaps in the driver's seat to challenge the Manchester clubs for the league title.

But is Samba a necessary purchase for Spurs? Will everything fall apart at White Hart Lane if the Blackburn defender goes to Loftus Road?

No. Not even close.

For starters, the recent play of center back Younes Kaboul has shown that the French international is ready to take over for the ailing Ledley King. The guy loves to tackle and can stop an opposing forward just about as swiftly as the King from 2005. 

He's been a rock at center back this season, and is the biggest reason goalkeeper Brad Friedel has faced only four shots on goal in the last three league games.

Michael Dawson has shown he is recovering well from a string of injuries that have kept him sidelined for most of the season. He knocked off the rust nicely against Everton and has shown he is still handy to have during corners and set pieces because of his 6'3" frame and his ability in the air.

If he can get back to the kind of form he was in during the 2009-10 season, he will pair well with Kaboul and help extend the life of the seemingly ageless Friedel.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has also shown speed and versatility on the back line this season, roaming from his normal position at left back to support in the center and then go forward and help with the attack.

If Blackburn won't let go of Chris Samba, or if the former Congolese international decides to take his talents to cross-town rivals QPR, Spurs fans should see the silver lining. Tottenham's latest bid for Samba was £7.5 million.

That money could be used to make Emmanuel Adebayor's stay a little more permanent, prevent Gareth Bale from going to Barcelona or keep Luka Modric as field general of Tottenham's midfield, not Chelsea's.