Tottenham have signed Italy's former World Cup star Nicola Berti but the deal to bring Everton's Andy Hinchcliffe to White Hart Lane has collapsed.

Spurs pulled out of the deal when Hinchcliffe's agent admitted the player had a problem with his Achilles tendon.

But Tottenham boss Christian Gross, who has been heavily critical of Spurs' treatment of injured players such as Darren `Sicknote' Anderton, says he is still interested in the England left back but does not want to sign a player who has an injury.

Hinchcliffe, for whom Spurs had already agreed a £3 million fee with relegation rivals Everton, has returned to Merseyside without discussing his personal terms.

Free kick specialist

The 28-year-old, a free kick specialist, did not even get as far as taking a medical at White Hart Lane despite week-long discussions with the club.

Gross said: "We're still interested in signing him.

"We'll see how matters develop over the next few weeks but we can't take a risk on his fitness right now because of the critical situation we are in."

The former Grasshoppers boss said: "I must be 100% sure he is ready to help us. But his agent, who is also his brother-in-law, tells us now that Andy has an Achilles problem.

"We cannot go ahead with the transfer on that basis but something may still be revised even though I am aware, of course, other clubs may now come in for him. We must take that chance."

Arsenal also interested

Tottenham's north London rivals Arsenal are also said to be interested in Hinchcliffe, who Everton signed from Manchester City in 1990.

Andy Hinchcliffe: not wanted by Spurs

Berti, 30, signed for Tottenham on Thursday on a free transfer from Inter Milan after passing a medical.

The midfielder, who has been reportedly been offered a £300,000-a-year deal, flew into Britain on Wednesday.

Berti, who spent three months out of the game last season after rupturing a knee ligament, had been given medical clearance to join Spurs for the rest of the season.

Inter, for whom he has played only four times this season, are allowing him to go free in recognition of his services to the club over many years.

Experienced midfielder

Gross said: "We're not looking beyond the end of the season with him at present.

"He's a very experienced, very good midfielder who will be able to help us right now.

"But I'm in the situation of trying to strengthen the team to keep us in the Premiership. It's all short-term thinking that we must do at present."

Berti, who was capped 38 times, was a team mate of Jurgen Klinsmann while at Inter.

Nicola Berti...teaming up with Klinsmann again

He could make his debut against Premiership champions and leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Spurs are almost certain to be without injured goalkeeper Ian Walker and winger David Ginola aswell as fellow casualties Anderton, Les Ferdinand and Allan Nielsen.

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