Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly battling it out to sign German international David Raum, valued at €30 million by Hoffenheim.
A recent report from Sky Germany has offered a detailed report on the future of David Raum. The TSG Hoffenheim full-back is attracting the interest of major clubs across Europe, with the Premier League currently described as the most likely destination for the player.
While the likes of West Ham United and Newcastle United have considered the possibility of signing Raum, Manchester United have emerged as a potential destination due to their financial firepower and charm. But the Red Devils are facing stiff competition from European giants Borussia Dortmund, who are in the market for a new left-back this summer.
With Raphael Guerreiro and Nico Schulz struggling to perform, Dortmund’s new sporting director Sebastian Kehl wants to sign a new player in the position. Raum, who registered 13 assists in the Bundesliga this past season, has emerged as the desired choice due to his work ethic, offensive brilliance and pace on the far side.
Raum himself is open to joining Dortmund as they are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. A move to Ruhrpott could even see him unite with the German national teammates in Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck, who have both joined Dortmund in the summer.
However, the report suggests Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Raum thanks to Dortmund’s financial shortcomings. Having already roped in the likes of Sule, Schlotterbeck, Karim Adeyemi and Salih Ozcan this summer, the Black and Yellows cannot afford Raum’s €30 million price tag without selling one of their stars.
Dortmund are open to selling both Guerreiro and Schulz in light of their poor performances. Barcelona were recently offered the chance to sign Guerreiro, but the Catalans are likely to sign Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso, who has reportedly agreed a three-year deal at Camp Nou.
This could play in favour of Manchester United. While Hoffenheim are not too thrilled about the prospect of losing Raum, they could find it difficult to reject an offer in excess of €30 million, especially after yet another disappointing financial year in the Bundesliga.
It paves the way for Manchester United to make a fresh approach and secure the deal for David Raum, with the German international prepared to take the next step in his career following an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga.
