West Ham United have pulled back from the signing of controversial midfielder Joey Barton following the backlash from fans on the social media.

According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham were close to offering a contract to the free agent, but opted against it at the last minute under pressure of their supporters.

Mirror quotes a club insider confirming the news: "We've pulled out in the last hour because of the strength of feeling from the fans.

"He's a good player and based on football decisions we'd have signed him, but in the interests of team spirit we haven't."

32-year-old Barton is still on the hunt for a new club after leaving QPR earlier this summer following four years at Loftus Road, which included a season-long loan with French club Marseille.