Tottenham Hotspur have backed out of contract talks with Gennaro Gattuso following a strong backlash from fans.

Gattuso's sudden availability was a contributing factor in Tottenham ending lengthy negotiations with Paulo Fonseca, who is a free agent, having left Roma after not having his contract renewed. Gattuso has previously made controversial comments about racism, women in football and same-sex marriage, while he was also involved in a violent clash with then Spurs coach Joe Jordan while playing against Tottenham for AC Milan in a 2011 Champions League match.

Spurs were previously also close to a deal with Antonio Conte.

Spurs were originally interested in speaking to RB Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann and Leicester City's Brendan Rodgers.