Manchester United have been heavily linked with Frenkie de Jong throughout this window, but it now seems midfield is not the only area they are looking to strengthen.
Reports earlier this week claim the Old Trafford club are looking to upgrade at the left-back position with the capture of 1899 Hoffenheim player David Raum.
Positive talks have taken place regarding the left-back, with a fee of around €30-35m thought to be enough to sign him. Despite this, the deal is far from complete with Borussia Dortmund on standby in case they sell Nico Schulz or Raphaël Guerreiro.
Manchester United Identify David Raum as Left-Back Upgrade
Raum Targetted by Man Utd
The Old Trafford board have yet to give Ten Hag his first summer signing. The new Manchester United manager has identified left-back as an area for improvement, with Raum a target.
The 24-year-old German international came through the Greuther Furth academy, where he broke into the first team as a teenager. The left-back impressed during his time at Greuther Furth, with 2020-21 being his breakout season, which led to 1899 Hoffenheim snapping Raum up on a free transfer.
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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He has taken to the Bundesliga like a duck to water, establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in Germany, meaning United are not the only club to be interested in Raum. The Red Devils are joined by West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, Dortmund and Manchester City as monitoring the situation.
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In his debut campaign at the top of German football, the talented full-back has contributed three goals and 13 assists as Hoffenheim finished the season in ninth. He also 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 his defensive place in the squad.
What Raum Brings to Old Trafford
After joining 1899 Hoffenheim, Raum earned his first Germany cap after just a handful of starts for his new club. Since then, he has gone on to play nine times for his country.
He’s an attacking left-back who is equally comfortable at wing-back, often seen marauding to the bye line and whipping in crosses for his teammates. Arguably the wing-back position highlights Raum’s strengths in getting forward and delivering crosses into the box.
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The German international is not the most active defender, which is down to him staying wide no matter whose in possession. His attacking talents make up for any defensive frailties. He’s exceptional at getting forward and contributing heavily to his team’s attacking play.
At 24 years old, Raum has plenty of time to improve all aspects of his game, and after such an impressive season in the Bundesliga, it’s easy to see why Manchester United are interested in him.
