West Ham United in hunt to sign £34m Hoffenheim left-back David Raum
West Ham are “chasing” the signature of Hoffenheim left-back David Raum, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper reported via the live transfer blog (19 June, 6:33 pm) that the Hammers face competition from the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
Darren Lewis of The Mirror further adds that the player has a release clause in his contract that kicks on next summer, which means the German club are “ready” to do any business now, otherwise they run the risk of receiving less money.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported on Twitter on June 18 that it would take around €30million [£25million] to land the 24-year-old defender. However, The Mirror notes that the price will be as high as £34m.
Superb addition
The German international joined Hoffenheim last summer from Greuther Furth. He made 32 appearances in the Bundesliga managing three goals.
However, Moyes will be buoyed by other stats – he also provided 13 assists in the league.
He is a terrific crosser of the ball, having racked up the most crosses into the box by any player in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
The Hammers need a left-back this summer as David Moyes is looking for an upgrade on Aaron Cresswell.
The veteran left-back did well last season but he made some ghastly errors in big games.
It’s likely that Raum will leave the club after just one season at Hoffenheim. He won’t come cheap though, but he is worth taking a gamble.
His best years are ahead of him, and if he can settle down quickly, he would be a potent threat next season.
With a host of clubs vying for his signature, it remains to be seen whether the Hammers make a concrete move for him in the coming days.
In other West Ham news, Pundit demands David Sullivan to speak out about Nayef Aguerd transfer.