Tottenham are being linked with Palmeiras right-back Agustín Giay, with the 22-year-old Argentine attracting plenty of attention ahead of the January transfer window.

The reports connecting him to Spurs are still fairly speculative. There’s no solid evidence of an approach or negotiations. Yet, looking at Tottenham’s squad and what Giay has been doing in Brazil, it’s not difficult to understand why his name keeps coming up.

And there are a few things worth knowing about him.

Tottenham links grow as European interest builds

The latest mention comes from Brazilian insider Diário Palmeirense, which puts Tottenham among the clubs interested in Giay.

Their report suggest Palmeiras would demand around €25m (£20.8m), although the Tottenham claims are some way from being concrete transfer news.

The wider European interest has stronger backing. Atlético de Madrid, Milan and Napoli were already confirmed as admirers by major outlets and journalists in Europe and South America. No formal offers were reported at the time. We’ve also covered interest from Chelsea last year.

Giay’s growing reputation certainly helps explain the attention. He’s been earning opportunities with Argentina, starting three consecutive internationals in October. Lionel Scaloni has also included him in his November squad.

For someone playing in South America, that kind of international exposure can make quite a difference.

What could Giay actually offer Tottenham?

Well, there’s an obvious place for him in the squad. Right-back has been something of an awkward position for Tottenham. Pedro Porro remains the first-choice option, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his availability.

That has left Archie Gray filling in, something he’s been doing in various defensive roles for well over a year.

Gray has handled those responsibilities quite admirably, but he’s naturally a midfielder. Having to keep covering elsewhere isn’t exactly ideal for his development in his preferred position.

Giay would offer a more natural alternative, although Tottenham supporters shouldn’t expect another Porro.

The Argentine’s biggest strength is his defending. He’s physically strong, resilient and aggressive in individual duels. And he’s also excellent at sliding tackles, something of a lost art in modern football. Giay is one of those defenders who genuinely looks comfortable throwing himself into a challenge.

That physical side of his game could also make him an interesting emergency option at centre-back, especially on the right of a defensive three.

There is, however, a catch. Giay isn’t nearly as convincing going forward. His crossing remains inconsistent, and his decision-making in attacking positions needs work.

In fact, he needed 98 appearances to score his first goal for Palmeiras, finally getting off the mark against LDU Quito in September. He has since found the net again, including twice against Corinthians in October.

That could matter under Roberto De Zerbi, whose football places considerable demands on defenders in possession.

January could be a realistic opportunity

The timing also makes sense. Brazil’s domestic season finishes in December, meaning January is a natural moment for South American clubs to consider European offers.

Palmeiras do have a Copa Libertadores final against Estudiantes on November 28, though, so their immediate attention is understandably elsewhere.

Giay is also under contract until 2030. There’s no urgency to sell, and the reported €25m (£20.8m) valuation suggests any interested club would have to pay a considerable amount.

Still, of all the names thrown into the transfer rumour mill, Giay is one whose connection to Tottenham has some footballing logic behind it. So Spurs could add a young international right-back, improve their defensive options and potentially give Gray more opportunities in midfield.