Carr in warning to Spurs

Tottenham's acting skipper Stephen Carr today broke his silence over his White Hart Lane future.

The Republic of Ireland defender warned Spurs that any new contract offer must meet his requirements in order for him to stay at the club.

Carr's contract expires in 18 months and chairman Daniel Levy made it clear at last week's AGM that Spurs will soon be making him a new offer.

Yet they remain fearful of missing out on a hefty transfer fee for Carr who told Standard Sport: "I'm keeping my options open until the club come and talk to me. My agent and the club have had one very small chat so far but nothing major.

There have been no real talks about a new deal.

"I will look at what they have to offer and, if it is right for me, then I will stay. I will have to see how things go and if they are willing to give me what I want."

Carr's comments will come as a bitter blow to Spurs and underline the difficulties they will face in persuading him to stay. Carr, who has been made captain under David Pleat in the continued absence of Jamie Redknapp, deserves to be on parity with some of the club's top earners and, after 12 years service, is also entitled to a testimonial.

Carr's commitment to the cause cannot be questioned and he was left devastated by Tottenham's penalty shoot-out exit to Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup last night.

Semi-finals: Bolton v Aston Villa, Arsenal v Middlesbrough. First leg: 20/21 January; second leg: 27/28 January