Tottenham players are relieved Antonio Conte's talks collapsed last week.

Conte was in negotiations to take the Spurs job, only for the deal to fall through over he former Inter Milan coach's demands over a transfer budget.

The Athletic reports Conte, 51, was happy to come to the club and there were 'no issues' with the salary he was being offered.

The former Chelsea boss impressed Spurs chiefs with his vision for getting the players fit again and improving them defensively.

But the move broke down over the lack of transfer funds that would be at his disposal. This may, however, come as a relief to some of the players.

Some Spurs stars were concerned over how hard they'd be pushed by Conte.

They had heard from pals at other clubs just how much he pushes his teams, and that he pays 'little attention' to utilising clubs' academies or developing young players.

Tottenham's players were also 'relieved' when chairman Daniel Levy sacked Jose Mourinho a week before the Carabao Cup final, which they consequently lost.