BERLIN (AFP) - Defender Gilberto will not be joining English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, after the Brazilian failed a medical and is expected back in Berlin on Thursday.

Both clubs had agreed a transfer for the 31-year-old, but Sunday's medical examination highlighted some undisclosed problems and the deal fell through meaning the 27-time capped Brazilian will honour his Berlin contract which expires this summer.

According to reports in the German press, Spurs had been willing to pay 2.6 million euros (3.8 million US dollars) for Gilberto, who can play in midfield or defence.