The Brazilian, 20, moved after Lee Young-Pyo rejected a move from White Hart Lane to the Italian capital.

Defendi has struggled to make an impact at Spurs since signing in July 2004 and Roma have the option to make the move permanent before the end of the season.

Jacques Santini captured Defendi from Cruzeiro, but Martin Jol decided he was surplus to requirements last season and loaned him to Serie A side Udinese.