Gilberto's Hertha contract was due to expire in the summer

The move had looked in doubt earlier on Thursday after problems with the 31-year-old's medical but those difficulties have now been resolved.

Gilberto, who played for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and has won 27 caps, can also play in midfield.

He spent three and a half years in Germany after his move from Sao Caetano, making 101 appearances.

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The player was out of contract at the end of the season and Hertha had released a statement insisting he would be staying in the Bundesliga, with some reports suggesting complications with his medical.

Tottenham have already signed Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate, Rangers full-back Alan Hutton and Cardiff's Chris Gunter during the January transfer window.