Manchester United are one of four European teams chasing down the services of Hoffenheim defender David Raum.
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Raum, 24, has enjoyed a successful first season at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim and is drawing plenty of interest from across Europe. The talented left-back made a good impression in his debut campaign at the top of German football, contributing three goals and 13 assists as Hoffenheim finished the season in ninth.
It is no surprise therefore to see the full German international gain interest from across Europe. According to Jonathan Shrager, the full-back has recruitment teams at United, Tottenham, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund all monitoring his availability this summer. West Ham United are also interested according to a report from The Mirror.
West Ham are chasing the signature of Hoffenheim left-back David Raum this summer.
The 24 year old is available for around £34m and Hoffenheim will prefer to sell now due to a release clause that comes into affect next summer.
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— West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews_) June 19, 2022
Shrager adds that United have recently made an enquiry but it was an “initial conversation” and no offer has yet been submitted by Erik ten Hag and his staff at Old Trafford.
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The Red Devils are yet to make any signings after the summer transfer window opened on June 10. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata, and Nemanja Matic have all gone in the other direction, however.
Raum could be quite an exciting addition to the squad for Manchester United. The 24-year-old registered the most crosses into the box of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, highlighting a desire to get forward and help out the attack despite being a full-back.
In fact, the German defender’s start to life at Hoffenheim was so impressive that he was given an extended deal just six months into his stay. It means his current deal will run until 2026, but he has a release clause inside his contract which could be activated next season and so Hoffenheim may look to cash in early on a defender who they value to be worth around £34 million.
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“David is a highly talented and extremely fast player with a strong left foot who has developed into one of the most sought-after full-backs in Germany thanks to his outstanding performance this season,” said Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen.
The Bundesliga outfit’s coach Sebastian Hoeneß added: “He handles everything very well. David Raum is a boy who has kept his feet on the ground with a great attitude. A very fine guy with his heart in the right place.”
A move for Raum could have warning bells ringing for Luke Shaw. The England international has struggled recently at Old Trafford and has lost his status as first-choice left-back to Alex Telles. Adding Raum to the mix could see his playing opportunities become even more limited.
