Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham have been asked to pay €35-40 million for David Raum.
A recent report from Sport1 has offered an update on the future of David Raum. The TSG Hoffenheim star has emerged as one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe this summer, with a plethora of clubs keen on luring him away from Sinsheim in this summer transfer window.
Borussia Dortmund have shown concrete interest in the former Greuther Furth left-back. But the Bundesliga giants are set to face stiff competition from Premier League trio Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle United. The English clubs may even be ahead in the race due to their financial prowess.
Raum has a release clause in his contract, but that will not become active until 2023. The player remains keen on sealing an exit from Hoffenheim, especially after the shocking exit of coach Sebastian Hoeness. TSG, though, are not too keen on offloading their full-back on a cut-price deal and are holding out for a fee of around €35-40 million.
Such a figure has been deemed far too expensive for Borussia Dortmund, who have already splashed around €90 million for the seven new signings this summer, including Sebastien Haller, whose transfer is yet to be made official.
Dortmund’s potential exit from the chase paves the way for Manchester United to make a move for Raum. The German international’s ability to provide deadly crosses into the box should bode well for the Premier League giants, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the frontline.
Raum is a technically gifted full-back as well, offering passing and ball distribution. He could thus become an ideal alternative for the likes of Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in the coming season. Raum could be a less risky option than another Manchester United target in Tyrell Malacia, who lacks experience in one of the top five leagues in Europe.
Apart from Manchester United, West Ham are closely following the situation of Raum. Coach David Moyes is keen on finding an upgrade on Arthur Masuaku and an able alternative for Aaron Cresswell. They have been linked with a move for Luca Pellegrini, but Raum does have more pedigree given his form and potential.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, have already signed Matt Targett on a permanent deal. But they are keen on another left-back who can compete with the former Southampton starlet. Raum fits the bill well, but it remains unlikely the German international would want to join either West Ham or Newcastle.
Manchester United, though, could be an appealing target, especially if Dortmund bow out of the race. The Red Devils have the footballing heritage which should appeal to the Hoffenheim starlet, but whether or not the club opt to meet Hoffenheim’s €35-40 million valuation this summer is anyone’s guess at this point.
