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Paulo Fonseca reveals he had already started pre-season planning before his Tottenham move fell through because new director of football Fabio Paratici wanted to play DEFENSIVE football

Paulo Fonseca has revealed his move to Tottenham fell through at the last minute because sporting director Fabio Paratici wanted Spurs to play defensive football this season.

The Portuguese coach, who left Italian side AS Roma this summer, was in the latter stages of negotiations to become Jose Mourinho's replacement when the plan to hire him was botched, as revealed by Sportsmail on June 17.

Former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed a fortnight later, just days before the club's pre-season campaign was due to start.

Paulo Fonseca revealed his move to Tottenham broke down as Spurs wanted a defensive coach
Spurs appointed Nuno Espirito Santo (above) two weeks after Fonseca's move collapsed

HOW FONSECA'S SPURS MOVE COLLAPSED

June 9: Sportsmail reveal Tottenham in talks with Paulo Fonseca over vacant manager role.