Tottenham Hotspur have completed the surprise signing of Brazil defender Gilberto from Hertha Berlin despite a failed medical.

The deal had appeared to have fallen through earlier in the day when Gilberto, 31, failed a medical.

However Tottenham have now announced the deal, for an undisclosed fee.

"We are delighted to announce we have reached agreement with Hertha Berlin for the transfer of Brazilian international Gilberto," Spurs stated.

Meanwhile defenders Paul Stalteri and Anthony Gardner have been allowed to join Fulham and Everton respectively on loan until the end of the season.

Left-back Gilberto has spent three-and-a-half years in Germany, where he made 101 appearances in the Bundesliga after joining from Brazilian club Sao Caetano.

He has won 27 caps for Brazil, played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and was a member of the Brazil squads that won the 2004 and 2007 Copa America.

Gilberto is the third defender to join the Premier League club in the transfer window after Jonathan Woodgate from Middlesbrough and Alan Hutton from Rangers.

Reuters