West Ham United have reportedly opened talks to sign Hoffenheim left-back David Raum.
According to The Times, West Ham United are in talks to sign Hoffenheim left-back David Raum. The Germany international has been the subject of interest from quite a few Premier League clubs but the Hammers seem to have taken the lead to sign him this summer.
Raum moved to Hoffenheim just last summer from German second division side Greuther Furth and was an instant hit. He made 32 Bundesliga appearances and scored three and assisted 13 goals, attracting interest from clubs all across Europe.
The 24-year-old is adept at playing at the left of a four-man defence and also as a wing-back if the manager opts for a three-man backline. The Germany international’s knack of chalking up assists at will seems to have impressed a few Premier League clubs as well, with West Ham emerging as the favourites.
David Moyes’ side have initiated talks to sign the German full-back and could make him their fourth signing of the summer. The Times report that the Bundesliga club could demand a fee in the region of £33 million, but it is still unclear whether the London-based outfit will want to spend the amount.
West Ham are currently in pursuit of Chelsea centre-forward Armando Broja and free agent Jesse Lingard. The Hammers side want to improve on their seventh-place finish from last season and are eager to add reinforcements in multiple departments.
They have so far signed three players this summer. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has joined them, along with defender Nayef Aguerd and midfielder Flynn Downes. Should Raum join the Hammers, he will compete for the left-back spot with Aaron Creswell, who emerged as a bit of a liability last season.
The 24-year-old German will be an upgrade over current backup Arthur Masuaku and will be expected to eventually take over from Creswell as the first-choice left-back.
Previously, Manchester United and Newcastle United have also been linked with the German international. But, the former have signed Tyrell Malacia while the latter brought in Matt Targett. And with West Ham opening talks to sign Raum, they could well be the best-placed team to capture his services.
