Spurs Closer To Landing Gilberto

Brazilian full-back Gilberto faces an anxious wait in his bid to leave Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin during the January transfer window.

It was previously reported that Tottenham Hotspur have held preliminary talks regarding a transfer window swoop for the 31-year-old.

Gilberto is out of contract at the end of the season, with Hertha unable or unwilling to meet his demands for a bumper £7.5million contract renewal.

With just eight days left to force a move to the Premiership, Gilberto revealed much could depend on the views of the Hertha bigwigs.

"It is all in the hands of Dieter Hoeness (Berlin's general manager)," the player told Bild.

"If he says I may go, I am away."

Spurs will be buoyed by Hoeness’ retort, which indicates that the German club won’t be looking to accommodate Gilberto. Spurs gaffer Juande Ramos was left frustrated by his inability to land Rangers’ Scottish fullback Alan Hutton earlier this month.

Hoeness said: "Our entire recruitment budget for the winter break would be taken up meeting Gilberto's demands."

Spurs' offer is said to be in excess of €1.6million (£1.2million).