The left-back spent three and a half years in Germany where he made 101 appearances for Hertha after joining from Sao Caetano in Brazil.

The 31-year-old has won 27 caps and was a member of the Brazil squads that won the 2004 and 2007 Copa America, as well as the Confederations Cup in 2005.

He also featured in the 2006 World Cup and scored his first international goal against Japan.

'We are delighted to announce we have reached agreement with Hertha Berlin for the transfer of Brazilian international Gilberto,' said a statement on the Spus website.

Earlier in the day, it was reported in Germany that Gilberto had failed a medical and was staying in Berlin.

According to reports in the German press, Spurs had been willing to pay 2.6 million euros (S$5.5 million) for Gilberto. -- AFP