The Sun

TOTTENHAM have exercised their option to extend Son Heung-min’s contract by a further year.

The South Korean icon’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

But as SunSport told you last year, Spurs always planned on taking up their right to add another 12 months to the 32-year-old’s terms.

They have now done that, meaning skipper Son is contracted until the summer of 2026.

The forward has been a fantastic signing since joining from Bayern Leverkusen for £22million in August 2015.

Son now has 125 Premier League goals, placing him joint-18th with Nicolas Anelka on the all-time list.

He has 169 goals in total for Spurs, in 431 appearances.

Son has not been at his scintillating best this season and started Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle on the bench.

But Tottenham still were always keen on tying him down for a further year.

Boss Ange Postecoglou likened him to Mo Salah last month, in the sense that critics write off a top player like they both are at their peril.

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Son has scored five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season.

He also bagged against Roma in the Europa League, and straight from a corner in the League Cup clash with Manchester United.

The Spurs skipper is set to be back in action tomorrow night, when his injury and illness-depleted side take on Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

He will then likely be the star attraction as non-league Tamworth welcome Tottenham this Sunday.

TOTTENHAM and Liverpool renew hostilities in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final in London on Wednesday.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Tottenham vs Liverpool preview

"I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed."

Both Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham supporters will indeed be hoping that nothing has changed ahead of their semi-final showdown against Liverpool.

The 59-year-old won the Australian title with both South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar and the Japanese league with Yokohama F Marinos - all in his second season in charge.

Postecoglou also won the Asian Cup two years after becoming Australia boss - and the Scottish championship in both seasons with Celtic.

But continuing that record this season looks a tough ask.

To win the Carabao Cup, Tottenham will have to navigate their way past Premier League leaders Liverpool, who've lost only once this season and arrive having won 6-3 in this fixture just before Christmas.

Spurs are also dealing with an ongoing injury crisis with up to ten key first-team players unavailable, including defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie.

New goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has now received his work permit meaning he could go straight into the team against Liverpool, but given the quick turnaround, Postecoglou may stick with Brandon Austin.

There's also the small matter of three defeats in their last four and their abysmal recent record against Liverpool.

Liverpool have lost just two of their last 24 Premier League games against Tottenham (W16 D6) and have scored at least once in each of their last 18 against Spurs - not ideal when the hosts have kept just one clean sheet in their last 25 Premier League home games.

Arne Slot's side were far from their brilliant best during Sunday's 2-2 with Manchester United, although they have won each of their four games following draws (3) or defeat (1) this season.

Tottenham vs Liverpool preview betting odds

Tottenham 10/3 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE

Draw 7/2 with Betfred - CLAIM HERE

Liverpool 4/7 with BetMGM - CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Tottenham vs Liverpool preview betting tips and predictions

Away goals

Liverpool are likely to field a strong starting XI given they can rest virtually their entire first-team for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Accrington. The second leg is also sandwiched between a tricky trip to Bournemouth and the rescheduled Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Tottenham may also have several of their absentees back for the return fixture at Anfield, so a healthy win against a depleted Spurs side is paramount for Arne Slot's side on Wednesday.

So we're backing Liverpool to go for the jugular by scoring over 3.5 goals at 3/1 with William Hill - something they have achieved in four of their last eight meetings with Tottenham.

Liverpool to score Over 3.5 Goals at 3/1 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE

Assist

Alexis Mac Allister looks a good price at 9/2 to register an assist in what's expected to be a bumper night for Liverpool.

The Argentine midfielder, 26, has secured three assists in his last three games for Liverpool, while none of his colleagues have a higher xA (expected assists) with 1.79. He's created seven chances for his teammates over the last four league matches, with the most successful passes into the final third (67 with a 96% success rate).

Alexis Mac Allister to assist a goal at 9/2 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE

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ALMOST exactly 50 years ago, in early January 1975, Nottingham Forest’s greatest manager walked into the City Ground as boss for the first time.

And while Nuno Espirito Santo has little in common with Brian Clough except the same job title, the Portuguese has Forest fans dreaming of a return to the biggest European stage after more than four decades.

Monday's 3-0 win at Wolves - a classic example of how this Forest side are arguably the most adept counter-attacking side in the Prem - drew them level on points with second-placed Arsenal.

There is a bitter irony for Tottenham supporters that the man sacked because he did not live up to their expectations of how the game should be played is now staring down at Ange Postecoglou’s side - with the Aussie facing persistent criticism for being far too open.

Yet that explains the biggest secret of Nuno’s Forest success.

Unlike Postecoglou, who increasingly appears a hostage to his own philosophy, Nuno is unrepentant about the cautious, counter-attacking approach that will never be acceptable for more than a few weeks in N17.

At Wolves, remember, he took the Molineux side out of the Championship and up to successive seventh-placed finishes - their best since 1980.

He did it in exactly the same way as he is working the magic at Forest, not too dissimilar to the manner in which Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester stunned the Prem in 2016.

Play to your strengths, not your weaknesses. Keep it simple. Make sure everyone is willing to sacrifice themselves for the common good. And don’t give a stuff what the media think of you.

Ranieri’s side never changed or adapted. They were exactly the same every week. And nobody took them seriously until it was too late to stop the train reaching its unlikely destination.

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The truth is that Nuno cares not for criticism. Because he knows what works for him, with the right set of players

Yet that only works if the fans are prepared to buy into it, too.

At Spurs, where the supporters had felt bored and patronised by Nuno’s managerial mentor, Jose Mourinho, the very last thing they wanted was more of the same.

Nuno, of course, was on the bench as reserve goalkeeper when Mourinho’s Porto won the Champions League in 2004. The philosophy of the “Special One” runs through his very core.

Whereas Pep Guardiola will not be satisfied until his side has the ball for the entire game, Mourinho is the very opposite, explaining: “Many believe the team with more possession is dominant.

“But a team without the ball can be dominant, in control of the game.

“For some coaches, possession is more a matter of PR and image. The fundamental thing is that the team that scores more goals is the one that wins.”

True. But sometimes, some teams, require more than that.

To be fair to Nuno, he was handicapped at Spurs, horribly, by his best player starting the season with a gripe against the world after Harry Kane’s planned move to Manchester City fell through.

Yet Nuno failed to get Kane to want to play for him. And it did not take long for that to be the mood of the entire squad.

He was not a natural fit for Tottenham. And no matter how successful he is now, he never would have been.

Forest are a different kettle of fish, although there are few parallels to be drawn with the Clough era.

Certainly, while he wasn’t scared of a pound note, Clough would never have dreamed of a spell managing in Saudi Arabia - although Nuno, having won the title with Al-Ittihad, was sacked after 18 months in the desert after a fall-out with star striker Karim Benzema.

Indeed, had it come to a choice between Clough and even his biggest star, you’d put your money on the manager surviving. Different times.

Clough not only talked a good game. He played one, too, a spine of experience and quality, with a world-class keeper in Peter Shilton at one end and Britain’s first £1million player, Trevor Francis, at the other.

A side that did the horrible parts of the game well but was also about expressing themselves on the ball.

You don’t play a tricky winger like John Robertson if the game-plan is all about running power.

This incarnation of Forest, by contrast, is very different.

An old-fashioned centre-forward in journeyman Kiwi Chris Wood, youngish English talents Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, plus a collection of discards and bargain signings with the entire squad having cost around £330m - low by Premier League standards.

And a team that has, under Nuno, a pragmatic and clear style.

You do not need the ball to win. Defend for your lives. Make yourselves hard to hurt. And break at pace.

Despite averaging just 39.5 per cent possession so far, the LOWEST figure in the entire Prem, Forest have been doing that, superbly, all season.

The only team to beat Liverpool - at Anfield to boot. Wins over Manchester United and - much, to his pleasure, surely - Postecoglou’s Spurs. And a draw at Chelsea.

Critically, too, Forest have demonstrated an ability to beat teams who do not attack in numbers, still sitting back to sucker them in and then take their opportunities.

The defending of Serb Nikola Milenkovic - a player hewn from the same solid oak as Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic - Brazilian Murillo and London-born Chelsea youth product Ola Aina has been physical, imposing and brilliant.

It has allowed the midfield to press tight and force turnovers, allowing pace out wide in Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to stretch opponents and create the space for Gibbs-White and Anderson to create, while Wood is having the season of his life.

Mirroring Clough in winning the title is unlikely, this season at least.

But with a top five place likely to be enough for Champions League football next term, playing for the biggest prize in football for the first time in 45 years is more than feasible.

Nuno will never be a modern-day Clough. They are few in number. He is, though, making memories that the current generation of City Ground fans will always remember.

CHRIS WREH has more reasons than most to dump Tottenham out of the FA Cup.

Spurs travel to fifth tier side Tamworth on Sunday in the third round.

Their striker's famous dad, Christopher, is steeped in rivals Arsenal history after being part of Arsene Wenger’s 1997-98 Double-winning team.

His son Chris, who kicked off his career in the Gunners youth team, is sure to be more pumped up than the rest of his team-mates when Ange Postecoglou’s side come to town.

Wreh Jr told SunSport: “I was two when dad won the Double with Arsenal and I’ve supported Arsenal since I was a kid — for obvious reasons.

“I had a few years in the Northampton Town youth team before I joined Arsenal’s academy for a season as a kid, but I wasn’t offered a pro contract.

“My current Tamworth boss Andy Peaks gave me my start in men’s football with Rushden & Diamonds after I was released by Arsenal.

“So playing against Tottenham has an extra special meaning for me.

“Playing Arsenal away was my first-choice tie. But if that wasn’t possible, playing our biggest rivals Tottenham at home is the next best thing.

“Unfortunately, mum and dad won’t be at The Lamb on Sunday because dad is still involved in coaching the national team out in Liberia.

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“My brother Charlie will be there with some of our cousins and friends."

Christopher became the first African player to win the Prem title in 1998.

He then topped it off by making it into Wenger’s starting line-up for their Double-clinching 2-0 FA Cup final victory over Newcastle United — ahead of Gunners legend Ian Wright.

Chris added: “Dad says he will be watching on TV because the match will be shown worldwide, which is amazing.”

Wreh Sr scored his most famous Gunners goal in the FA Cup — the only goal of the game in a semi-final win over Wolves at Villa Park to set up that cup win.

Chris said: “Wenger rewarded him by starting dad in the final against Newcastle, which they won 2-0.

“Ian Wright was on the bench that day which says a lot for dad. They were quite close and he used to call Wrighty, grandad, or old man, while Wright dubbed him ‘The Liberian Lion King.’

“Dad also scored against Manchester United at Wembley when Arsenal won the Charity Shield at the start of the following season.

“To get in that team when they had strikers like Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry was a massive achievement and something my mum must have been so proud of.

“It showed he had the talent, it’s staggering to think of the level he achieved.

"You can’t be a bad player if Wenger signs you twice as he did when he signed dad for Monaco and then again for Arsenal.

“Dad knew all about Henry’s quality long before he became a Gunners legend — because they used to share a flat when they were team-mates at Monaco.”

Chris may be with National League Tamworth, the lowest ranking club left in this year's FA Cup, but his family are pure football royalty.

He revealed: “Dad was the first African player to win the Premier League but my uncle is even more famous.

“My dad’s cousin is George Weah, who was African Player of the Year twice and also won the Ballon d’Or in 1995.

“After he retired from football he went on to become the president of Liberia."

Chris cannot wait to rub shoulders with Tottenham’s superstars on Tamworth's artificial turf.

The 28-year-old said: “I’m hoping Son Heung-min plays. I’ll try to be at the head of the pack of our lads who will be trying to swap shirts with him at full-time.

“It’s a massive occasion and easily the biggest game of my career.”

Live Blog

ALL THE MOVES

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd and Spurs battle for Kolo Muani, Chelsea eye Guehi reunion, Rashford linked with shock loan

THE January transfer window is now up and running - and some huge moves could well be in the pipeline.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Juventus are all reportedly interested in signing forward Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG.

Meanwhile, Red Devils outcast Marcus Rashford has been linked with a shock temporary switch to AC Milan this month.

Elsewhere, Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold is attracting major interest from footballing giants Real Madrid.

The right-back's contract expires at the end of the season - and reports in Spain have suggested that the 26-year-old star is keen to complete the switch to the Spanish capital.

In other news, Chelsea are interested in re-signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

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Follow all the latest moves with our live blog below...

Salah cryptic post

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah posted a cryptic tweet which has sparked speculation from some fans that he could leave.

Salah is out of contract in the summer and has consistently claimed he has not held talks with the club.

Fans are desperate to keep hold of the star winger, who shared a cryptic post after the 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

The 32-year-old shared a photo from the match of himself standing over a free-kick alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold with Virgil van Dijk in the background.

Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk also have just six months left on their deals.

Plymouth's Rooney replacement blow

Plymouth have been denied permission to speak to Walsall boss Mat Sadler.

Argyle have placed the Saddlers boss on their shortlist to replace Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

Sadler, a former Premier League star with Birmingham, has guided Walsall 10 points clear of League Two.

The Saddlers have won their last seven games in the fourth tier, pulling clear of a chasing pack including Crewe Alexandra, Salford, Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon.

Championship strugglers Plymouth are considering testing their resolve with a generous compensation package.

Rooney was given the boot on New Year's Eve with Argyle rock bottom of the Championship.

Lopetegui facing sack

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui's job is hanging by a threadwith Graham Potter back in contention to take over.

After another 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City over the weekend, off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, patience appears to have worn thin.

The Hammers hope that Potter, who was first approached last month despite some reservations within the club, would be prepared to step in if Lopetegui is axed.

Meanwhile, the East Londoners' technical director Tim Steidten - involved in seeking a replacement for the Spanish tactician - has been asked to stay away from the training ground.

Lopetegui and Steidten's already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.

It is not clear whether the ex-Real Madrid boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday.

West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup's third round on Friday before returning to Prem action.

Rashford and Napoli swap links

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could be on his way out of Old Trafford this month after 20 years with the club.

Rashford has been linked with AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli during the January transfer window.

Juve appear to have backed off as they prefer Joshua Zirkzee after stunning displays last season with Bologna, where he played under current Bianconeri boss Thiago Motta.

Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a big fan of the England international. with whom he played at United for two years.

Napoli have considered a swap deal that would see Victor Osimhen ending his loan stint at Galatasaray and moving to Manchester.

If Osimhen rejected that idea then the Partenopei would probably have to sell star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to raise funds.

Trent 'to Real' update

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been approached by Real Madrid about a move this month, but has seen any exit in January unequivocally blocked by his club.

With Alexander-Arnold's contract set to expire in June, Real are able to sign him onto a pre-contract agreement before the end of the season.

According to The Mirror, the Reds have tabled a whopping £78million offer to keep their academy graduate at Anfield.

And Liverpool boss Arne Slot has claimed that the swirling rumours have no impact on the England international's focus on or off the pitch.

Milan eye Rashford loan deal

AC Milan are considering a shock loan move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

United are supposedly open to selling Rashford this month should they receive an offer worth £40million.

But the forward's £325,000-a-week wages are proving a major stumbling block.

A loan deal is seemingly more likely, with outlet Relevo suggesting Milan are ready to enter the race to sign the England international.

The 27-year-old's former Man Utd team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the club's chiefs and he has a say in their transfer business.

Barcelona eye Son

Barcelona are targeting Tottenham star Son Heung-min on a free transfer.

Son is set to see his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expire at the end of the season.

According to El Nacional, the forward is not the only player the club is targeting on a free transfer.

The likes of Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane are also on Barca's list.

Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah is also a target for the Blaugrana.

Antony transfer EXCLUSIVE

Manchester United flop Antony is being eyed by Olympiacos, who are keen on a potential loan deal.

According to Sky Sports, United are keen to offload the Brazil international and are discussing a potential loan deal with other clubs.

The same source claims teams from Spain and Greece have contacted Man Utd.

And the Red Devils are willing to listen to offers for the ex-Ajax star in the January transfer window.

SunSport understands that Olympiacos are the Greek club who are interested in the forward.

The Europa Conference League holders are rigorously looking for a new winger to add some spark to their attack.

Chelsea consider Guehi move

We told you earlier that Chelsea are considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace, but they might lure away his teammate instead.

According to Fabrizio Romano, The Blues are discussing a potential move to sign Marc Guehi.

Chelsea are keen to bring in a centre-back amid their injury woes at the back.

Guehi, who left Chelsea to join Palace in 2021, could return to Stamford Bridge.

However, it's claimed that a deal won't be easy.

Palace rejected a number of bids for Guehi from Newcastle United in the summer, with the final bid worth up to £65million.

Nunez available for right price

Liverpool are willing to sell Darwin Nunez if their valuation for the Uruguayan is met.

According to Football Insider, a bid between £50m-£60m would likely be given the green light for a Nunez exit.

The striker has been linked with a switch to Newcastle in recent weeks.

Osimhen going nowhere

Galatasaray are said to be "100% convinced" that Victor Osimhen will stay at the club this month, according to Sky Sports Germany.

The striker is currently on loan with the Turkish club after he was frozen out at Napoli.

The Nigerian forward has been linked with a move to Chelsea, but anything seems like it would have to wait until the summer now.

Van Dijk contract update

Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that there's been no movement on his contract situation.

The Liverpool captain is hurtling towards the end of his contract on Merseyside.

Van Dijk's current terms expire in the summer, meaning he is currently free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs.

When asked by Sky Sports if there's any update on his future, he said: "Nothing. But I am calm about it, like I said months ago.

"We'll see what happens in the future and at this point I have got absolutely no update".

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are both in the same situation at Anfield.

Howe ignoring Dubravka talk

Eddie Howe is fully focused on the games ahead and isn't being distracted by talk of a Martin Dubravka exit.

The Newcastle shot-stopper has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab at the end of his contract this summer.

But Howe is maintaining his steely focus on results at St James' Park.

We’re just concentrating on the games. We’ve had a massive game against Tottenham and then a massive game against Arsenal now. There’s no focus on anything other than the matches.

Eddie Howe

Chelsea 'consider recalling Chalobah'

Chelsea are considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.

The defender joined the Eagles in the summer and has made 14 appearances for Oliver Glasner's side.

Chelsea's backline has been depleted by injuries with Maresca revealing Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season.

And Chelsea are now considering recalling their academy graduate centre-back, reportThe Athletic.

Chalobah was barred from using first-team facilities in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements.

United receive Zirkzee swap offer

Manchester United have received a swap offer for Joshua Zirkzee, according to talkSPORT.

They claim that Juventus have offered the Red Devils the services of Dusan Vlahovic in a bid to sign Zirkzee from United.

More movement at Villa Park

It's not just moving along for Donyell Malen at Villa Park.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa have started talks to sign Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo.

The former Barcelona defender has already managed seven goal contributions in 17 La Liga appearances this season.

Unai Emery is keeping busy this month.

Malen agrees Villa switch

Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen has verbally agreed terms with Aston Villa, according to reports.

Malen, 25, has struck up an agreement with Villa to switch to the Premier League.

However, there is yet to be an agreement between the two clubs over a transfer fee.

It's claimed that Dortmund are holding out for a fee around £25m.

The former Arsenal academy star has scored 39 goals in 131 appearances since joining Dortmund in 2021.

Norwich given Jurasek asking price

Norwich have been told they will have to pay £6.6million for Czech winger Matej Jurasek.

The Championship club are preparing an offer of £5m for the Slavia Prague star but that might not be enough.

Slavia have just banked £12.5m from Spurs for keeper Antonin Kinsky so are not desperate to sell.

Jurasek, 21, is a promising talent but also consistent and has spent much of this season on Slavia's substitute's bench.

Prem duo in for Kolo Muani

Two Premier League clubs are expected to do battle with a number of European giants in the race for PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham and Aston Villa are interested in signing the French international this month.

Kolo Muani is expected to leave Paris on loan after struggling for game time this term.

But it won't be an easy coup for Spurs or Villa with huge European clubs also interested in a move.

It's claimed that AC Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are all keeping a keen eye on Kolo Muani.

Trent latest

Here's the latest updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation at Liverpool.

The Reds right-back has reportedly been approached by Real Madrid about a move this month, but has seen any exit in January unequivocally blocked by Liverpool.

With Alexander-Arnold's contract set to expire in the summer, Madrid are able to sign him onto a pre-contract agreement before the end of the season.

According to the Mirror, Liverpool have tabled a whopping £78m offer to keep their academy graduate at the club.

And Anfield boss Arne Slot has claimed that the swirling rumours have no impact on Alexander-Arnold's focus on or off the pitch.

He said: "I don’t believe in those things. I think nine out of 10 people will tell you it affected him but I am one of the 10 that tells you I don’t think that affected him."

James Rodriguez contract termination

Good morning! The first transfer news this Monday morning comes in the shape of a forgotten World Cup star...

Former Real Madrid and Everton star James Rodriguez could be about to become a free agent.

The 33-year-old joined Rayo Vallecano this summer from Sao Paolo on a free transfer.

But after making just seven appearances for the La Liga club, it looks like he could leave already.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodriguez is in the midst of ongoing discussions to terminate his contract with the club in favour of a new chapter.

Casadei bid

Torino have reportedly tabled a £10million bid for out of favour Chelsea star Cesare Casadei.

The Italy U21 star was on loan at Leicester City last season.

However, he has been unable to break into Chelsea's first team this season.

Di Marzio claim the Blues want £16m plus a buy-back clause.

Sancho's United message

Jadon Sancho has told Man Utd chiefs he is happy at Chelsea.

“I’ve felt really good [at Chelsea] since day one," Sancho, who is on with the Blues, said.

“The coach and the players have welcomed me and that’s all I can ask for. I’m taking it day by day and game by game.

"I’m very happy with my football. I just have to keep showing 100 per cent on the pitch.”

Carragher's advice

Jamie Carragher has revealed where Liverpool need to strengthen in the January transfer window.

"Liverpool need to sign a full-back. I think they need a left back,” the Sky Sports pundit said on Super Sunday.

"Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor. He will be a lot better than that and Conor Bradley is fantastic.

"I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game. I don’t think Konstantinos Tsimikas is quite of the standard to come in and replace him.

"I think if Liverpool could get a left back in January, I think that’d put Liverpool in a really strong position to win the league."

IT’S domestic cup week and therefore it’s a big one for Big Ange Postecoglou.

Because if any team is capable of beating Liverpool in a semi-final and losing to Tamworth in the space of four days, then it’s Postecoglou’s gloriously unpredictable Tottenham.

The Aussie was in a magnificently grumpy mood after Saturday’s league defeat by Newcastle but he has a pleasingly positive attitude towards knockout competitions.

Indeed, he has pretty much staked his job on them by insisting “I ALWAYS win a trophy in my second season” at a club.

This ought to be Chas & Dave Cup-final music to the ears of Spurs fans, after 17 years without a trophy.

Indeed, the Carabao Cup might just provide us with a dream final, should Tottenham and Newcastle win their two-legged semis, because no two clubs in the English game crave silverware to quite such an extent.

The Geordies haven’t had a pot to pour champagne into since 1969 and they head to Arsenal tonight in rude health after a major festive resurgence.

But it’s not just about Spurs and Newcastle quenching their thirst — because the domestic cups are in desperate need of any different winners.

A cup final is properly special when it means the world to the winning club — and not just a consolation prize nor one leg of a Double, Treble or Quadruple.

But remarkably, 21 of the last 22 major English domestic knockout competitions have been carved up between the ‘big five’ of Manchester City (eight), Manchester United and Arsenal (four apiece), Liverpool (three) and Chelsea, who have won two finals and lost seven in the last eight seasons.

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Leicester’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Chelsea in 2021 was the only exception — and even that trophy went to a club who had been champions five years previously.

It is a far cry from the heyday of the 80s, when Coventry, Wimbledon, Luton, Oxford and Norwich all won their only major honours in the space of four years. Although all were denied European football by the Heysel ban.

This weekend brings an FA Cup third round and our annual chance to wail, ‘What can we do to save the Cup?’

This year, third-round replays have been scrapped to the widespread groans of traditionalists. But this switch makes Cup shocks more likely, not less — a one-off match with extra-time and penalties gives smaller clubs a better chance of an upset.

Every year there is a call for the Cup to be revamped with seedings or with clubs from lower divisions automatically being given home advantage.

Tamworth v Tottenham is the tie of the round not only because of Spurs’ intrinsic comedy value but because it is being staged at the National League club’s Lamb Ground, with a 4,000 capacity and the opportunity for everyone to assume the showers will be cold and Spurs won’t like it.

Meanwhile, Manchester City v Salford, Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Chelsea v Morecambe and Newcastle v Bromley would all look a lot juicier if lower-league clubs were at home.

But this change is simply never going to happen because nobody inside football actually wants it.

Small clubs profit more from away days at Premier League grounds, while their players and even supporters relish those trips.

The best chance for the Cup to rediscover its lustre is for top-flight managers to prioritise it — especially given that the majority have no realistic title ambitions nor relegation fears.

Instead, most will use third-round weekend as an opportunity to give the regular bench-dwellers in their sizeable squads — not very many of them even exciting home-grown youngsters — some elusive ‘game time’.

There remains a huge disconnect here between managers and fans, who would relish a Cup final far more than a few extra league wins.

So, will any mid-table Premier League manager have the balls to pick their first team, then ‘rotate’ in the midweek round of league fixtures which follow?

If anyone is likely to, it’s that old romantic Big Ange.

Altogether now: “Spurs are on their way to Wembley . . . ”

WISE UP BLUES

CHELSEA are out of the title race after taking just two points from 12 against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace.

Yet the Blues might have won all four games with one or two experienced heads among their talented youngsters, who wilted when the going got tough defending 1-0 leads against Fulham and Palace.

During those recent matches, I’ve witnessed £106million World Cup-winner Enzo Fernandez — still only 23 — kicking off at Ipswich’s former Chelsea kid Omari Hutchinson during their 2-0 defeat.

And Pedro Neto, a relative veteran at 24, twice seemingly being shot by snipers in the stand, given his agonised response to no contact from an opponent.

Chelsea’s owners are hooked on youth but a couple of wise heads could not knock some sense in.

LIAM IS IN TUCH

NOW that Thomas Tuchel has finally turned up for work, with a clean slate, he will surely be casting an eye over Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

He is an old-fashioned bully of a centre-forward who’s been hugely impressive during Town’s recent revival.

Delap has Pulisball in his blood — his father Rory was a key member of that bruising Stoke side — and has been schooled by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Watch his game and you can see pleasing aspects of both influences.

Delap will be Harry Kane’s long-term successor as England’s No 9 and it would be a surprise if Tuchel does not include him in his first squad in March.

REFER BACK

I SPOKE to an experienced ref and he confirmed what I’d long suspected — that pre-season edicts for officials are always forgotten within a month or two.

Remember bookings for kicking the ball away and delaying the restart, such as the second yellow card given to Arsenal’s Declan Rice in August’s home draw against Brighton?

Well, they’ve been forgotten by refs and their assessors, just like the supposed ‘high bar’ for VAR interventions.

BUK STOPS WITH KOP

DON’T get too excited about an actual title race after Liverpool dropped points against Manchester United.

Arsenal are their only credible challengers but will never win consistently enough without Bukayo Saka — just as Manchester City collapsed without Rodri.

There is no single player in Liverpool’s side whose long-term absence would have a similar effect — not even Mo Salah.

GOLDEN AGE

AS someone who is frequently told they must have had a ‘tough paper round’, it’s heartening to see someone who looks even worse for their age than I do.

The photo at the top of this page was taken eight years ago and I still look older in it than I am now.

So thanks to world darts semi-finalist Stephen Bunting, improbably only 39, and to the new Southampton boss Ivan Juric, who is younger than me at 49 but looks pensionable.

ANTONIN KINSKY’S switch to Spurs happened so fast the young goalie had to make a late dash to pick up some boots and gloves.

The ambidextrous Czech, 21, was so certain he was staying at Slavia Prague that he had arranged to receive some new mitts from his glove sponsor this past Sunday.

But after turning his phone on on Friday evening after a relaxing sauna and massage, he discovered his Tottenham transfer was on - meaning he was in need of some fresh gear.

Kinsky, whose qualities have been compared to the great Petr Cech, said: "I realised that if I was flying out on the Saturday morning, I’d need gloves and boots. I didn’t have either at home, so I started looking.

“I drove to Plzen and then to (Prague district) Eden, where I would have gone anyway to say goodbye and take one last look at the stadium.

“Now I’ve got everything I need, so I’ll pack up at home and head off."

Kinsky eventually sealed a move worth £12.5million plus add-ons, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract.

But because he is still waiting on his work permit, which could take up to 48 hours to arrive, his chances of featuring against Liverpool are viewed as unlikely.

That means Brandon Austin, who waited nearly 10 years for his first Spurs appearance against Newcastle on Saturday, is set to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on what will be his 26th birthday, provided Fraser Forster is still ill.

But after that, Kinsky will step in and look to make himself Ange Postecoglou’s go-to guy between the sticks.

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That is even when Guglielmo Vicario returns from a fractured foot in late February, with the Italian posting a video of himself out of his protective boot on Sunday.

Because ambitious Kinsky, nicknamed 'Toni', has not just been brought in as a back-up to Vicario, but to challenge him.

His move had been earmarked for the summer, when veteran Forster is out of contract, but got pushed forward following Vicario’s serious injury.

Kinsky is likely to be the first of a few January signings for injury-hit Spurs, who are also keen on a defender and attacker.

While Forster has struggled to play out from the back like Postecoglou wants, Kinsky’s footwork was a big attraction when he was identified by Spurs technical director Johan Lange.

His passing success rate of 83.9 per cent is better than any other goalkeeper with five appearances or more in this season’s Europa League.

Kinsky has been playing in that competition for Slavia, but due to a rule change, CAN also play in it for Spurs this term too.

The blond-haired starlet, who has perfect English, constantly listens to Czech rap and idolises late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, was an outfield player as a kid.

But he moved in goal in a bid to follow in the footsteps of his dad, also called Antonin Kinsky who won five caps for the Czech national team and remains a huge influence on his son.

Kinsky Jnr’s 12 clean sheets in 19 league games has helped Slavia go seven points clear at the top of the Czech league.

It was his first season as Slavia’s No1, but it was back-to-back loan spells to small-town club MFK Vyskov between 2021-23 which toughened him up for first-team football.

Rostislav Horacek was Kinsky’s goalkeeping coach at Vyskov and remembers being blown away by the confident youngster’s potential after just “two or three training sessions”.

The 57-year-old said: “The guys in the pub laughed at me when I said that I had an 18-year-old boy in the second league who would one day play for the national team.

“But I was convinced of it. He has everything.

“He always looked forward to tough matches like a little kid looking forward to ice cream.”

Chelsea legend Cech is the benchmark for Czech keepers, having won 124 caps for his country in a stellar career, but Horacek sees an obvious comparison.

While he also gave an insight into the ability Kinsky - or ‘Tonda’ as he called him - has with both feet.

Horacek told Flashscore: “I asked him in training which foot he prefers, but he said it doesn’t matter. He kicks with both equally.

“At Slavia, he had a great defence in front of him. (It meant that) he often goes 40 minutes without a save and then has to quickly resolve a difficult situation.

“That is exactly what Petr Cech used to do at Chelsea. He had a strong defence in front of him, led by John Terry, but then had to show off with one or two saves. Tonda is strong in this.”

TOTTENHAM starlet Jamie Bowden has announced his retirement from professional football at just 23 years old.

The highly-rated youngster took to Instagram to reveal that he has been forced to hang up his boots following an ankle injury suffered back in 2022.

Addressing his fans and followers, Bowden wrote: "Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end.

"On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me.

"Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham.

"I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch.

"Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things. I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be.

"My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound. God is with us throughout.

"I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days.

"I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next."

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Bowden left the Tottenham academy in July 2023 after over 15 years on the books with the north London club.

The versatile midfielder joined the Spurs setup as a six-year-old and was regularly on the cusp of breaking into the first team - making the bench in the Europa League and Premier League.

As mentioned in his statement, Bowden spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan in League Two with Oldham Athletic.

That taste of professional football saw the former Republic of Ireland youth international score his only professional goal, as well as racking up five assists.

Since Bowden's release from the Spurs academy, he has tried to revitalise his career elsewhere.

A short trial with AFC Wimbledon ended unsuccessfully, before the youngster jetted off to Europe to try and earn a spot with Spanish third tier club Deportivo de la Coruna.

Unfortunately, despite taking part in a friendly match and a number of training sessions, the decision was made not to offer him a contract.

Bowden has hinted that he may continue working in football despite making the decision to stop pursuing the dream of a playing career.

Tottenham offered support to former first team star Ryan Mason following his injury-forced retirement at just 25, with the former England international now an assistant coach under Ange Postecoglou.

Bowden's former academy teammates were quick to wish him luck in the comments of his retirement post.

TOTTENHAM have signed Czech ­keeper Antonin Kinsky for around £12million.

Kinsky — who has signed from Slavia Prague — is Ange Postecoglou’s first signing of the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old could be in contention for a debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Liverpool or Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.

He will provide cover for the injured Guglielmo Vicario and competition for Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin, who made his senior debut against Newcastle.

Due to a Uefa rule change, Kinsky will be able to play in the Europa League knockout stages even though he played for another club in the competition.

He said: “I’m really happy, it has been amazing to sign the contract. Tottenham are a big name and I’m really happy.

“I spoke with the coaches, I spoke with the sporting director and I got the feeling this is going to be the right choice.”

Hours after Kinsky’s arrival was confirmed, Spurs No 1 Vicario posted a video of himself on Instagram walking without crutches or a protective boot as he continues his recovery from a fractured ankle.

Back in November, Vicario fractured his ankle in a clash against Manchester City.

Despite that blow, boss Postecoglou revealed the Italian is doing his upmost to return to action soon.

The Aussie tactician said: "He's going well, typical of Vic, he's pushing every boundary. Obviously, he's still a fair bit away, but whatever timeline that is, he will make sure he's back as quickly as possible.

"He's still very much around the group. We saw him last night, he's also training every day.

"He's so invested in what we're doing, helping the keepers, helping the whole group.

"He's one of the leaders and, yes, he's progressing well."

While Vicario has missed eight Premier League games, veteran Forser has filled his boots.

Spurs are winless in their last four matches.

BARCELONA are reportedly chasing Son Heung-min on a free transfer.

The South Korean star is set to see his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expire at the end of the season.

Son, 32, is in the final year of his deal in North London having signed his last extension in 2021.

He is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs now the January transfer window has opened.

One club that is keen on striking a deal with the forward is Barcelona, according to Spanish publication El Nacional.

The report claims he is not the only player the club is targeting on a free transfer.

The likes of Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane are also on the list.

Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah is also a target for Barcelona.

The Catalonian giants are looking at free transfers having struggled with financial issues in recent years.

Son is the current captain at Tottenham but has not been at his best this season.

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In the Premier League, he has only netted five times in his 17 appearances.

He was left out of the starting eleven in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday due to fatigue.

If Barcelona were able to snap up all four than Hansi Flick's side will have added plenty of quality without breaking the bank.

However, the club would still need to find the financial room to afford their wages and signing-on fees.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have already been active in the transfer market.

The club have boosted their goalkeeping options with the arrival of Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague.

The goalkeeper has been handed the number 31 shirt and has signed a contract that will run until 2031.