From the Back Pages, December 18: Southampton plot Wesley Sneijder transfer from Galatasaray to stop season unravelling

Liverpool at last have some respite. A side left traumatised in the Champions League and so horribly off the pace in the top flight have conjured some composure in the League Cup, with a semi-final to follow in the new year. Bournemouth were eliminated here, not straightforwardly but ultimately with something to spare, to fire Brendan Rodgers’ hopes of claiming silverware. This may prove to have been a timely shot in the arm. (The Guardian)

Tottenham 4-0 Newcastle: Nabil Bentaleb, Nacer Chadli, Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado strike as Spurs soar into League Cup semis. (Daily Mail)

BRENDAN RODGERS was delighted with the ‘brilliant performance’ shown by his side as Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners over Championship side Bournemouth. (The Express)

Capital One Cup semi-final draw: Liverpool face Chelsea and Tottenham meet Sheffield United. (The Independent)

Michael Garcia, who led the investigation into allegations of wrongdoing surrounding the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, walked out on Fifa last night after accusing the organisation of a “lack of leadership”. (The Times)

Delon Armitage, the Toulon and former England wing, has been hit with a three-month ban for verbally abusing Leicester supporters during his side’s 25-21 defeat in the Champions Cup at Welford Road. (The Telegraph)