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The South Korean footballer Heung-Min Son has renewed his current contract, which was set to expire at the end of this season, extending it until the summer of 2026 with English club Tottenham Hotspur, which means he will spend over a decade as a player for the 'Spurs'.

"We are delighted to announce that we have exercised the option to extend Heung-Min Son's contract, which will now run until the summer of 2026," the London club announced on their website this Tuesday.

The 32-year-old player joined 'Spurs' in August 2015 from German side Bayer Leverkusen and has since made 431 appearances - placing him eleventh on the list of players with the most matches for the club - and scored a total of 169 goals, marking the fourth-best record in the club's history.

"Appointed club captain in August 2023, the South Korean international has cemented his place in our history, scoring a series of iconic goals on historic occasions for the club," concluded the statement.

As the stage is set at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Liverpool gears up to face Spurs in the eagerly awaited first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final.

Make sure to check out the latest odds on the Tottenham vs Liverpool match courtesy of our top football betting providers. Note that odds are subject to fluctuations.

Last weekend, Liverpool encountered an unexpected hurdle, settling for a 2-2 draw against fierce rivals Manchester United. This result raised eyebrows, especially with United struggling in the league prior to the encounter, having lost three consecutive matches. Nonetheless, they managed to secure a well-earned point at Anfield after a performance marked by discipline and determination.

After the match, manager Arne Slot reflected, "We created far more chances than they did, but being 1-0 down, 2-1 up, and facing a late scare from Harry Maguire was a lesson learned." He acknowledged that, in hindsight, he wished for more. While Liverpool's performance was not their best, it’s important to note that they still fashioned numerous opportunities. Overall, Slot’s squad has been exceptional this season, suffering just one defeat across the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup.

Among these competitions, the EFL Cup may well sit at the bottom of Slot’s priority list. Should Liverpool exit in the semi-finals but secure glory in either the Premier League or Champions League, few at Anfield would lament the departure.

On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur finds themselves in desperate need of success. Their recent 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United has left them languishing in the lower half of the Premier League, a staggering 12 points shy of a top-four position.

Having not lifted a trophy since 2008, Spurs are yearning for silverware, and manager Ange Postecoglou is feeling the pressure. He famously declared earlier this season, "I always win things in my second year," and will be eager to translate those words into tangible success.

While Liverpool may have other ambitions, they will undoubtedly aim for victory in this encounter. They recently thrashed Spurs 6-3 at their home ground and will hope to replicate that performance to gain an advantage in this EFL Cup semi-final.

The fixtures keep coming thick and fast for both clubs. Tottenham and Liverpool face a grueling calendar, with eight matches scheduled across four competitions in just 24-25 days, up until the first weekend of February.

Expect Liverpool to mix things up for this match. The likes of Connor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Nunez are all vying for starting positions. Slot has shown a willingness to rotate against Southampton in the previous round.

Due to injury woes, Tottenham might stick to a lineup similar to the one that fell short against Newcastle. Morale is low, given their current run of just one win from the last eight Premier League outings, and even a Liverpool reserve side could pose a formidable challenge.

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Only weeks ago, these two sides engaged in a thrilling nine-goal encounter, with four goals netted in the first half as Liverpool raced to a 3-1 lead at the interval. Expect another lively opening 45 minutes on Wednesday.

Tottenham's approach has always been proactive, and Postecoglou will likely encourage his team to adopt this style, irrespective of injuries. This could play into the hands of Liverpool, who, despite Slot's emphasis on control this season, remain a potent threat during transitions.

Don’t be surprised if both netminders are called into action early on.

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Liverpool’s attacking options would make any rival green with envy. Diogo Jota would start for almost any other team in the league, yet he currently serves as Liverpool's first reserve.

The Portuguese forward is eager to make his mark right from the first whistle. Jota stands as one of Liverpool's most clinical finishers, and he often converts opportunities in the penalty area.

This season, he boasts an impressive record, averaging a goal every 114 minutes in domestic competitions. With Tottenham expected to field a patched-up defence, Jota could take full advantage.

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Antonin Kinsky has disclosed that his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur unfolded with remarkable speed, prompting a last-minute dash to gather his gloves and boots. The young goalkeeper, who has made a name for himself with impressive performances at Slavia Prague, finalized his move to Spurs on Sunday morning for a reported fee of £12.5 million.

Kinsky's signing comes at a crucial time for Ange Postecoglou, who is looking for depth in the goalkeeping department, especially with Guglielmo Vicario sidelined until the end of February following an ankle injury sustained against Manchester City back in November. Despite showing no signs of an imminent transfer on Friday morning, the situation changed drastically by evening, propelling Kinsky into swift action.

"I was convinced I would be staying at Slavia," Kinsky recounted on the club's official website. "I had even coordinated with my glove sponsor to receive new gloves on the weekend, just before our departure for training camp."

"I attended training that Friday morning, completely unaware that my world was about to change. Later, while enjoying time with friends at the sauna and then during a massage, I turned my phone back on to find I had missed a call. When I returned the call, I discovered what was in store for me."

"Realizing I was flying out the next morning, I panicked a bit; I needed gloves and boots, none of which I had at home. So, I jumped into my car, drove to Plzen, and then to Eden, partly to say goodbye and take a final glance at the stadium. Thankfully, I managed to gather everything I needed before packing up my home and heading off."

Reflecting on his impressive form during the initial half of the 2024/25 season with Slavia Prague, Kinsky played a pivotal role in their Champions League qualifiers and Europa League campaigns. In domestic competitions, he kept an impressive 12 clean sheets out of 19, contributing to Slavia’s strong standing, having conceded only seven goals in league play.

Things could have turned out very differently for the talented keeper, who shared that he was on the brink of leaving Fortuna Arena last summer. "Honestly, I will miss everything about this place immensely," he confessed. "I was close to moving abroad during the summer, yet as the new season approached and I started playing, it quickly became a source of great joy for me. "The Champions League qualifiers against Lille, cup matches, thrilling league contests, and memorable moments like defeating Banik and staging a comeback in Olomouc – each of these left a lasting impression on me. Looking back, I realized I would have regretted not experiencing it all."

Kinsky acknowledged that his time with Slavia was intense, but he believes those six months contributed significantly to his current opportunity. "Although it was brief, it was remarkably intense, and without those experiences, I may not have attracted such interest. I'm very grateful for that, to be honest."

On his recent transfer to Tottenham, Kinsky expressed that joining a Premier League club feels "incredible." "This is a dream realized for me. I understand this chance might only come once in a lifetime," he said. "My dad always stressed the importance of hard work, readiness, and seizing opportunities to chase one’s dreams. Since childhood, it has been ingrained in me to always be prepared, and when a chance like this arises, I tell myself, 'This is it.'"

"Every moment felt pivotal, yet I never envisioned something of this magnitude - that Tottenham would express interest in me. The feeling is surreal, and I couldn’t be happier."

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Petr Cech, the legendary Chelsea goalkeeper, has thrown his support behind young shot-stopper Antonin Kinsky after the latter's permanent switch to Tottenham Hotspur from Slavia Prague.

The 21-year-old Kinsky made the move earlier on Sunday, with the North London club securing his services for an initial fee of £12.5 million. He is poised to take the starting position in goal for Spurs, likely ahead of Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin in the upcoming matches.

In a candid conversation with The Playbook House, Cech shared his insights on Kinsky's transition to the Premier League. The former Chelsea and Arsenal custodian remarked (h/t Tribal Football):

"I wouldn't worry about Kinsky being at a disadvantage because of his younger age. In the Premier League, it's quite typical to see talents as young as 17 years old making their mark. Players who can contribute to the team's success take to the pitch, and I believe Antonin will prove his worth through his performances."

Cech, who enjoyed a glittering spell with Chelsea, capturing 15 trophies between 2004 and 2015, reiterated his excitement over Kinsky's move:

"I am delighted for him to get this chance. Tottenham is a prestigious club that consistently pushes for UEFA Champions League qualification. I have faith that he will thrive there, as the style of play under their coach will play to his strengths, particularly his ability to distribute the ball effectively."

Reflecting on his own journey to England at a similar age, Cech offered some advice: "I would encourage him to focus primarily on his football. It's crucial to approach every training session and match with the utmost seriousness and readiness. We've discussed his transfer, and I shared my thoughts, but he possesses the maturity to succeed, greatly aided by his supportive family background."

In November, Tottenham faced a setback with the injury of star goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who suffered an ankle injury. Since then, they have leaked 23 goals over 11 matches, managing just a single clean sheet in that stretch.

Kinsky, whose contract with Spurs runs until June 2031, could provide a much-needed boost for the club. He has shown remarkable development over the past year, even being called up to the Czechia national team on four occasions.

Singapore's iconic Tiger® Beer is proud to announce its role as the Official International Beer Partner of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, amplifying its commitment to the passion of football and shared progress. This collaboration signifies a notable expansion for Tiger, being its second major partnership within the English Premier League following its recent agreement with Manchester United. These multi-year arrangements highlight Tiger’s dedication to fostering connections that resonate with fans across Asia and beyond, bringing them closer to their beloved clubs.

"At Tiger® Beer, we firmly believe that individual courage is intertwined with the support we receive from others," stated Sean O'Donnell, Global Brand Director of Tiger® Beer. "Our alliances with legendary teams like Tottenham Hotspur embody our conviction that progress is never achieved alone. Together, we celebrate the teams and the collective passion that drives us forward, proving that by rallying behind each other, we can accomplish remarkable feats."

Tiger® Beer's growing commitment to football is a testament to its ambition to ignite the passion for the sport throughout Asia. With Tottenham Hotspur boasting a fan base of over 195 million across the continent, the club serves as an ideal partner in this quest to foster enthusiasm for football in the region.

Ryan Norys, Chief Revenue Officer at Tottenham Hotspur, expressed his excitement, stating: "We are thrilled to partner with a leading brand like Tiger, aiming to engage our fans in Asia through unique experiences that harness the unifying power of football."

Informed by insights from a recent survey involving 2,000 football fans, which revealed that nearly 75% believe fan interactions are vital for uniting supporters of their clubs, Tiger® Beer is committed to delivering exhilarating fan experiences tailored for Spurs supporters. These offerings will encompass interactive events, training sessions, and exclusive coaching opportunities.

With Tiger® Beer at the helm, football fans globally are encouraged to unleash their inner tigers and unite in their shared zeal for the sport. Fans are invited to partake in this adventure as Tiger® Beer collaborates to forge legendary moments. Follow @tigerbeer on Instagram for a glimpse into exclusive events, promotions, and chances to engage with your favorite clubs in unprecedented ways.

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Matt Law has come out in full support of Ange Postecoglou, dismissing claims that the Tottenham Hotspur manager is 'delusional' in light of his team's 10th defeat of the Premier League season.

In a dramatic encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs fell 2-1 to Newcastle United, a result that left Postecoglou fuming, declaring it the angriest he's ever been. The Australian coach was particularly incensed that Anthony Gordon's equaliser was allowed to stand, a situation complicated by the ball appearing to deflect off Joelinton before reaching the English forward.

The defeat dealt another blow to the Lilywhites, pushing them further down the league table, with Newcastle's Eddie Howe making it a day to forget for Spurs fans. Dominic Solanke initially put Spurs ahead, but Gordon pulled one back before Alexander Isak netted a crucial first-half winner. Currently, Tottenham sits in a disappointing 12th place, accumulating only 24 points from 20 games.

Law Slams 'Delusional' Claims

Law, a journalist for the Daily Telegraph, highlighted the impact of injuries on the squad's performance, attributing the team’s woes to a lengthy injury list rather than any supposed delusions from Postecoglou. He took to social media to voice his perspective:

Tottenham have not lost 10 games because Ange P is 'delusional'. They've lost 10 games because they've got a tonne of injuries and the squad can't cope. Just as Newcastle had lost 9 games this time last season for the same reason.

The North London side has had key players like Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Ben Davies sidelined, forcing Postecoglou to deploy makeshift centre-back partnerships including Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin. Despite the pressing defensive issues, Postecoglou has remained committed to his attacking philosophy.

However, not everyone agrees with Law. Craig Hope from the Daily Mail has suggested that Postecoglou is trapped in a 'delusional world' due to his rigid approach, advising the Spurs coach to take notes from Eddie Howe's adaptability.

Tottenham's Disappointing Season

In terms of competition, Tottenham’s season has seen them struggle in various tournaments:

Competition: Premier League

Matches: 20

Wins: 7

Draws: 3

Losses: 10

Competition: UEFA Europa League

Matches: 6

Wins: 3

Draws: 2

Losses: 1

Competition: Carabao Cup

Matches: 3

Wins: 3

Losses: 0

Despite the challenges, Postecoglou still holds substantial backing from fans. With two years remaining on his contract, there are no signs of unrest within the dressing room.

The 59-year-old could potentially end the club's 17-year trophy drought by clinching the Carabao Cup, with a semi-final clash against defending champions Liverpool on the horizon, starting with the first leg at home on Wednesday (January 8).

Meanwhile, a rising star from within the ranks may be considering his future after being overlooked by Postecoglou amid the ongoing injury crisis.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 05/01/2025.

Following Tottenham Hotspur's disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou has intensified significantly.

The match began promisingly for Spurs, with Dominic Solanke putting the Lilywhites ahead early in the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, the optimism was short-lived as Anthony Gordon levelled for Newcastle just two minutes later, a goal that raised eyebrows due to a handball incident involving Joelinton during the build-up. Alexander Isak then capitalised on Spurs' frailty, scoring from close range just before the break, leaving the home side struggling to penetrate a resilient Newcastle defence.

"I’ve never lacked confidence," Postecoglou stated in the aftermath of the game. "I understand the results aren’t meeting expectations, and I get that people may not accept the circumstances we find ourselves in. You saw Archie Gray’s performance; Lucas Bergvall was phenomenal as an 18-year-old in such a demanding position. There’s a lot to be optimistic about, but we must start securing wins. Typically, when you perform well, you reap the rewards. Sadly, we were held back today."

This latest defeat marks Tottenham's fourth consecutive match without victory, leaving them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League. While injuries and suspensions have certainly impacted their season, the campaign has been forgettable so far, leading to increasing scrutiny of Postecoglou's role. The critical question remains: Should the Australian be shown the door, or does he deserve more time to rectify the situation?

Below, the writers from football.london share their thoughts on whether Postecoglou should retain his position at Tottenham.

Lee Wilmot

It’s undeniable that Tottenham’s form has been subpar this season. Sitting in 12th place is far from acceptable. However, one cannot ignore the fact that Postecoglou has faced an extraordinary injury crisis.

Against Newcastle, Spurs were reduced to just one first-team player in their backline for the entire second half, relying on four full-backs and a third-choice goalkeeper who had limited prior experience. Two of those full-backs rarely play, and to have an 18-year-old thrust into that position reflects the dire circumstances. Despite these factors, the Lilywhites have struggled in front of goal, failing to make the most of their attacking prowess.

While Postecoglou's steadfast approach is admirable, it raises questions given the player availability. I still have faith in him and believe there are currently no better alternatives on the table, but the situation is not enjoyable, and Daniel Levy could decide to act at any moment.

Isaac Johnson

Placing all the blame squarely on Postecoglou after the loss to Newcastle would be unjust, especially considering the baffling no-handball decision that preceded the equaliser. Had that been called differently, the match’s dynamics could have shifted significantly. Overall, it’s clear that Postecoglou is prioritising securing silverware this season.

The League Cup campaign looked promising until they were drawn against Liverpool, facing a daunting second leg at Anfield. If he clinches a trophy, he would accomplish what Harry Redknapp, Jose Mourinho, and Mauricio Pochettino could not, making a lacklustre league campaign worthwhile. However, failure could lead to his exit, making Wednesday's match crucial for his future.

Isaac Seelochan

Tottenham have been underwhelming for a while, barring the odd standout result. Postecoglou had a solid start last season, but teams have largely figured them out. One striking point is that Bournemouth, managed by someone with a similar tenure, currently sits above Spurs in the table. Under Andoni Iraola, they outplayed Spurs despite having spent significantly less on their squad.

Postecoglou has often appeared somewhat aloof and thin-skinned in his media interactions, yet he has garnered goodwill. I fear he won’t see out the season, and such an outcome might not be entirely unwarranted.

Tom Coley

The evidence suggests Postecoglou should be in serious jeopardy. While performances have not been dismal, which may offer him some reprieve, there are clear issues. Unlike the sudden departures of Mourinho and Conte, who were critical of the club and achieved little, Postecoglou seems to have the players’ backing, although it appears to be a chaotic form of it.

The team mirrors Postecoglou’s own persona; he encourages them to run, be brave, and stick to his philosophy. However, this has left the defence exposed. He risks stagnation by not adapting, but any significant changes in the coaching staff could be a gamble, especially considering that Tottenham was aware of what they were getting with Postecoglou.

While sitting in 12th place is far from ideal, the criticisms of his style were established from the start. Yet, dismissal doesn't offer a guaranteed solution; recent history, including Manchester United's managerial changes, shows that can often result in more issues. The prudent course of action may be to weather the storm until the summer and reassess. At least Postecoglou is striving for progress, a notion absent under his predecessors.

Sam Truelove

Sacking Postecoglou seems counterproductive to me. Yes, the results have been disappointing, but context is everything. Injuries and suspensions have severely impacted Spurs, evidenced by the pairing of Djed Spence and Archie Gray in centre-back roles against Newcastle.

I am confident Postecoglou can turn things around, especially if the January transfer window goes well, with a hopeful return for key players like Richarlison and Cristian Romero. The squad seems to have embraced Postecoglou’s tactics, and pulling the rug out from under them could undo all progress. It’s essential to remain calm, keep faith, and the rewards will eventually follow.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has given an insight into the team's ongoing woes, revealing that Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray remarkably "literally got off sickbeds" to feature for a depleted Spurs side. This revelation came after Postecoglou explained his decision to start the match against Newcastle without key players Heung-min Son, James Maddison, and Yves Bissouma, leading to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The club’s injury crisis deepened ahead of their first Premier League match of 2025, compounded by a sickness bug that swept through the squad during the week. With a staggering 10 senior players sidelined, including the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Mikey Moore, Wilson Odobert, and Richarlison, the challenge intensified for the home side. Additionally, Fraser Forster was out due to illness and Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended, leaving Tottenham severely stretched.

As a result, third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin was thrust into the limelight, making his senior debut for the club nearly nine years after signing. Dragusin, the last remaining available senior centre-back, was substituted at half-time, forcing the out-of-favour Sergio Reguilon into the fray and leaving Djed Spence and Gray to form an unlikely defensive partnership for the second half.

Postecoglou shed light on the situation, stating, "Radu and Archie literally got off sickbeds to play today, and Radu was absolutely exhausted at half-time." The Spurs boss acknowledged the mounting pressure, admitting he felt "the angriest he had ever been in his career" following the defeat that kept the north Londoners firmly rooted with just one win in their last eight league outings.

When pressed for further details on the illness affecting his squad, Postecoglou revealed it was, "just a bug." He added, "Radu and Archie were bed-ridden all week. Fraser is still struggling with it, and there are a couple of others who aren’t well. At half-time, Dragusin couldn’t give any more. On Thursday, we literally had 11 fit players for training." This underscored the severity of the situation and the thinness of Tottenham's squad.

In light of the squad's struggles, fans were surprised to see Captain Son, Maddison, and Bissouma listed among the substitutes. All three were eventually brought on past the hour mark, sparking a spirited resurgence in the second half. While it could have been anticipated that Son and Bissouma were being preserved for the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, Maddison's presence on the bench was curious due to his suspension from the match.

Explaining the choice to bench these key figures, Postecoglou noted: "It was a combination of needing energy and running power early in the game. My plan was that as the match progressed, we would utilize the experience of the players who come on. I thought it worked well; we finished really strong. We started well, and the only thing that halted us was not related to football. That was the whole idea.

"Players like Sonny, Biss, and to a lesser extent Maddison, have logged a lot of minutes, and keeping them fresh is crucial for their mental and physical readiness. From my viewpoint, all three made a significant impact when they entered the fray."

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly stands on the brink of finalizing their first signing of the January transfer window, as they make strides toward securing young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague.

After a roughly inconsistent beginning to the 2024/25 Premier League season, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou finds himself under mounting pressure, with speculation swirling that he could be one of the next managers shown the door. Currently positioned at 11th in the table, Tottenham trails fifth-placed Newcastle United by seven points after 19 games.

This season has been particularly tough for Tottenham, plagued by injuries, notably to their first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian shot-stopper has undergone surgery for an ankle issue and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Despite earlier assurances from Postecoglou that the club would not be pursuing a replacement keeper in January—arguing that bringing in a 'free agent' would not benefit the team—the performance of veteran Fraser Forster has forced a rethink regarding their transfer strategy. "That's not going to happen. I don't think signing a free agent now is going to help us," Postecoglou had commented when questioned about the goalkeeper situation.

Forster has stepped into the breach but has struggled for form, which has led Spurs to reconsider their plans. Just days after initial reports suggested Tottenham were targeting a keeper from a Premier League rival, news has surfaced that they are set to acquire Kinsky, who is deemed a player 'no one expected' to join at this stage.

Having joined Slavia Prague in 2021, the 21-year-old has already made 29 appearances across all competitions this season. Moreover, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has corroborated claims from the Czech outlet Infotbal, announcing that all parties have reached a 'verbal agreement'.

Romano stated: "Tottenham are on the verge of signing Slavia Prague GK Antonín Kinsky. He's in London today for a medical examination. A verbal agreement has been established among all parties, and Kinsky should be undergoing a medical after today's match." He further confirmed that Spurs are prepared to invest over £10 million for Kinsky, with a long-term deal also ratified.

In what is shaping up to be a significant move, formal documentation between Slavia Prague and Tottenham is anticipated to be completed later today following the conclusion of the match.

Tottenham Hotspur appear poised to make a significant move in the January transfer window, targeting Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to insights from transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

The North London side has been grappling with the absence of first-choice keeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is sidelined due to a serious ankle injury. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, leaving the club’s goalkeeping situation in a precarious position.

Fraser Forster, Vicario's stand-in, has taken up the role recently but has struggled to inspire confidence, managing just one clean sheet in the last ten outings. This has prompted Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou to explore options for bolstering their goalkeeping department ahead of the crucial second half of the season.

In a recent post on X, Bailey highlighted that Tottenham have earmarked Johnstone as a priority target and are ready to act. He noted:

"Tottenham could be ready to make a move for Sam Johnstone, who can leave Wolves this month."

Johnstone, who transitioned to Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer, has faced challenges securing a regular spot in the starting eleven, featuring in only seven league matches this season. Despite joining just last year, the former Manchester United custodian has three and a half years remaining on his contract, which could mean that Wolves will demand a hefty fee for his permanent transfer.

Standing tall at 6ft 3in, Johnstone is recognized for his shot-stopping abilities but is less adept with the ball at his feet. Given Postecoglou's intent to play out from the back, the acquisition of a goalkeeper uncomfortable with distribution would not serve Tottenham's strategic vision. As such, Spurs may need to consider alternative candidates to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks.

With Tottenham's form dipping—having not secured a victory in their last three Premier League matches—they are set to clash with a resurgent Newcastle United this weekend. Currently languishing in 11th place, Spurs must rekindle their performance to mount a challenge for European qualification as the season progresses.

This developing story will be one to watch as the January transfer window opens, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will make an official bid for Johnstone.