He is the third signing at White Hart Lane in the January transfer window, with Jonathan Woodgate and Chris Gunter already bolstering Juande Ramos' defence.

A statement from Spurs confirmed: "We are delighted to announce we have reached agreement with Glasgow Rangers for the transfer of Alan Hutton."

According to Rangers boss Walter Smith, Spurs made "an offer we couldn't turn down".

They initially made a move at the start of the transfer window, but Hutton turned down the chance to move south, before agreeing to a deal when Spurs went back in for him.

Damien Comolli, Tottenham's sporting director, watched Hutton before he impressed in Scotland's defeat to Italy last November.

Manchester United were also linked with him during his progress at Ibrox.

The fee for Hutton is undisclosed but has been reported to eventually come close to the £9m Sunderland agreed for Craig Gordon, which made the goalkeeper the most expensive Scottish player in history.

Pascal Chimbonda’s agent last week admitted the defender was frustrated by Spurs targeting two players, Hutton and Gunter, in his position.

Hutton gives Ramos more options in defence as Chimbonda has been relied upon at right-back, even moving inside to centre-back when Ledley King and Michael Dawson have been injured or Younes Kaboul has been dropped.

Brazil left-back Gilberto is also set to arrive, from Hertha Berlin, before the end of the transfer window.

Young-Pyo Lee is the current left-back and Jamie O’Hara has deputised there as well, while Gareth Bale has been out with a foot injury.

The full extent of Bale’s injury will not be known until he is out of plaster next month, when an assessment will be made by Spurs medical staff.

Ramos has allowed Hossam Ghaly to go on loan with Derby, while Wayne Routledge is expected to depart, with Aston Villa reported to be interested in the former England U-21 winger.