Tottenham management insist it was their decision to pull out of talks with former Roma coach Paulo Fonseca.

The Mirror says Tottenham pulled out of negotiations for Fonseca at the 11th hour - when Gennaro Gattuso became available.

Claims that Fonseca ended talks because of financial reasons being hotly denied.

Tottenham staged a major U-turn because ex-AC Milan hardman Gattuso suddenly became available after he walked out on Fiorentina after just 23 days in charge.

Gattuso, 43, quit after a row with the Fiorentina hierarchy over transfers and Tottenham's newly appointed director of football Fabio Paratici made an approach.

Tottenham are now in talks with Gattuso about becoming their new boss and sources suggest they believe they will get their man.